Former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je Arrested in Graft Probe

Ko Wen-je, former mayor of Taipei and leader of a small opposition party, was arrested in connection with a graft investigation related to a major property development. Ko, who ran in January's presidential election, denies any wrongdoing and has temporarily stepped down as party chairman.

Ko Wen-je, the former mayor of Taipei and head of the Taiwan People's Party, was arrested early Saturday morning amid a graft probe into a significant property development project during his tenure as mayor. The arrest follows a raid on his home and party offices on Friday.

Ko, who held office from 2014 to 2022 and placed third in January's presidential election, has denied any involvement in the alleged misconduct. He stated, "I know I have no problems," while the Taiwan People's Party urged the court to carefully examine the legality of his arrest procedures.

The party acknowledged this week that it misreported campaign funds during Ko's presidential run. Ko has agreed to temporarily step down as party chairman while the investigation continues, and he has apologized to his supporters.

(With inputs from agencies.)