TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former TPP Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on Thursday condemned his 17-year sentence for bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and embezzlement as politically motivated, saying after the Taipei District Court ruling that he would never surrender.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office alleged that Ko accepted NT$15 million (US$470,000) in bribes and NT$2.1 million in political donations in exchange for approving extra floor space for a Core Pacific development project. He was also accused of embezzling funds through Muko Public Relations Company and misappropriating NT$62.3 million from the Chung Wang Foundation.
Ko alleged that the trial did not seek the truth and was marred by excessive political interference, per CNA. His defense attorney Cheng Shen-yuan (鄭深元) said they would consider filing an appeal after receiving the written judgment.
CNA reported that Ko suggested the judiciary had treated him unfairly. He blamed the DPP and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), even though it was KMT Taipei City Councilor Chung Hsiao-ping (鍾小平) who reported him for accepting bribes.
Ko said judicial procedures should follow due process and be based on evidence, rather than “fabricated narratives.” He alleged the case followed “a pre-written political script,” claiming that during the trial, rules of evidence were abandoned, testimony was selectively accepted, and due process was absent.
Regarding a NT$2.1 million (US$65,000) donation from the Core Pacific Group, which the court cited as evidence of corruption, CNA said that Ko claimed he “had no idea about this political donation." He said the case was a “complete setup from beginning to end,” accusing prosecutors of using false information to obtain search warrants.
Ko insisted he had not sought personal gain or engaged in corruption and described his behavior as “completely open and aboveboard.”
In closing, Ko said, “You think that by destroying one Ko Wen-je, you can remove obstacles for your ruling party in future elections … But besides one Ko Wen-je, there are thousands upon thousands of blades of grass.”
CNA reported that he said the case was not over yet and then pointed toward the cameras and said, “Lai Ching-te! I will never surrender!" He then clenched his fist and added, “Lai Ching-te, I will not yield!”
The Core Pacific case centers on the controversial increase in the Core Pacific Mall’s floor space ratio from 392% to 840%, amid allegations of financial wrongdoing associated with the project. Ko was initially taken into custody but was later released after posting NT$70 million in bail.
Two additional cases linked to Ko’s presidential campaign compounded the charges. He was accused of funneling political donations through investments, using funds to pay employees of Muko Public Relations Company, and giving the firm exclusive rights to his image, which the campaign subsequently purchased.
Ko is also alleged to have received payments from KP Show, a concert event organized by his campaign.
