TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taipei District Court (台北地方法院) has extended the detention of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and three co-defendants in a high-profile corruption investigation involving real estate development and campaign finance irregularities. Thursday's (March 27) ruling ensures the four defendants will remain in custody beyond April 2 as investigators deepen their probe into the Core Pacific City case and suspicious political donations.
Despite mounting health concerns, Ko's petition for release was swiftly denied by the court. The former mayor, who has consistently proclaimed his innocence, told prosecutors on March 20 that his campaign finance records remain "completely transparent," with documented details of all fund movements. Court officials indicated that additional witnesses will be summoned in the near future as they work to establish a clearer factual timeline.
Core Pacific Group Chairman Shen Ching-ching (沈慶京) has developed concerning hypertension while in detention, leading his legal team to petition for external medical care. City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇) made an emotional appeal to prosecutors, highlighting her responsibilities as caregiver to her bedridden mother while promising to maintain her elected duties. Li Wen-tsung (李文宗), finance chief of Ko's 2024 election campaign, contested his continued detention through his attorneys, who argued that allegations connected to Hsu Chih-yu (許芷瑜) have no relevance to his case.
