Taipei: The Taipei District Court on Friday granted former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je NT$70 million (US$2.29 million) bail, stating that the decision was made after key witnesses in the Core Pacific City case had been cross-examined.
According to Focus Taiwan, Ko and Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei, who was granted NT$30 million bail, must reside at a registered address, wear a GPS tracking ankle monitor, and are prohibited from leaving the country. Court spokesperson Huang Ping-chin noted that they are also barred from contacting other defendants or witnesses while on bail.
After intensive hearings and the cross-examination of witnesses in the case, Huang stated that the risk of Ko and Ying destroying evidence or colluding has been significantly reduced, allowing for their release on bail. However, Huang did not specify when these cross-examinations were completed.
Prosecutors, however, have expressed concerns about the potential risk of collusion, as additional witnesses, such as Hsu Chih-yu, need to be questioned. Hsu, a close aide to Ko during his mayoral term, has been declared wanted and is believed to have fled overseas.
Despite the ongoing investigation and Hsu's status as a person of interest, the Taipei court emphasized that relevant witness statements and records regarding Hsu's involvement are already on file. Given the uncertainty of apprehending her, detaining Ko and Ying solely on those grounds is deemed unjustifiable.
The decision to grant bail can still be appealed, according to Huang. Ko and Ying were among 11 individuals indicted last December in a corruption case where Core Pacific Group Chairman Sheen Ching-jing is alleged to have bribed Ko for favorable treatment during his mayoral tenure.
The investigation into the Core Pacific City redevelopment project was initiated after suspicions arose about the increase in the floor area ratio. Ko faces charges, including allegedly receiving a NT$15 million bribe, with prosecutors seeking a total prison term of 28 years and six months. Ying was indicted for allegedly receiving NT$52.5 million to facilitate the project, with a 16-year prison term and fines sought by prosecutors.
Ko's legal team, represented by Cheng Shen-yuan, Lu Cheng-yi, and Hsiao Yi-hung, issued a statement indicating that Ko needs more time to consider the bail decision. They plan to consult with him before making a decision on Monday.
Following the bail ruling, the Taiwan People's Party, founded by Ko, expressed gratitude to the court for upholding judicial integrity. The party, led by Chairman Huang Kuo-chang, supports Ko's determination to defend his innocence and respects his need for time to consider the bail decision.
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office is contemplating whether to file an appeal upon receiving the court's written ruling.