Taiwanese courts issue rulings in major political corruption cases

Taiwanese courts are processing high-profile corruption and political donation cases involving prominent political figures.

In a bribery case related to the SOGO department store management dispute, the Taiwan High Court overturned previous convictions for current legislator Chen Chao-ming and former legislator Xu Yung-ming, ruling that evidence was insufficient to prove a quid pro quo or bribery agreement. The High Prosecutors Office has filed an appeal against this acquittal. However, the court upheld the convictions of Su Chen-ching and Liao Kuo-tung, maintaining their respective prison sentences.

In a separate case involving former People Democratic Party Chairman Ko Wen-je, the Taiwan High Court is reviewing charges related to the Jinghua City project and political donations. While Ko continues to deny all criminal charges, co-defendant Li Wen-tsung has pleaded guilty to a breach of trust charge involving approximately NT$2.1 million in salary payments made through the Zhongwang Foundation. The court is scheduled to summon further witnesses and Ko Wen-je himself in November to continue proceedings regarding allegations of bribery and the misuse of political donations.