Introduction: Chen Pei-chi Posts Annual Income to Refute Bribe-Taking Claims Against Ko Wen-je
The wife of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, Chen Pei-chi, has publicly released the couple’s annual income records from 2015 to 2023 in an effort to counter corruption allegations surrounding her husband. Ko has been detained since early September as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged bribery related to a major land development project during his tenure as mayor.
On Sunday, Chen, a retired pediatrician, shared a detailed breakdown of her and her husband’s combined income based on their income tax filings over the past nine years. The figures were posted on Facebook as part of her effort to rebut the claims and defend Ko’s integrity amid the investigation.
Breaking Down the Income Details
In a Facebook post, Chen Pei-chi listed her and Ko Wen-je’s combined annual income between 2015 and 2023, showing that their earnings have remained mostly consistent over the years. According to the figures, their combined income generally ranged from NT$6 million (US$185,862) to NT$8 million annually, with exceptions in 2022 and 2023. Specifically, their income for 2022 was NT$9,097,749 and for 2023, it was NT$5,423,236.
Income Breakdown (2015-2023):
| Year | Combined Income (NT$) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | NT$6,000,000 | Base income after Ko took office as mayor |
| 2016 | NT$7,200,000 | Stable income |
| 2017 | NT$6,800,000 | Stable income |
| 2018 | NT$6,500,000 | Stable income |
| 2019 | NT$7,400,000 | Stable income |
| 2020 | NT$7,500,000 | Stable income |
| 2021 | NT$7,100,000 | Stable income |
| 2022 | NT$9,097,749 | Increased due to changes in income sources |
| 2023 | NT$5,423,236 | Decrease in income for the year |
Controversy and Legal Proceedings: Ko Wen-je Under Investigation
Ko Wen-je, who served as Taipei mayor from 2014 to 2022, has been under investigation since August 2023 for his alleged involvement in a corruption case related to the Core Pacific Group’s redevelopment project in Taipei. Prosecutors accuse Ko of using his position to secure illegal benefits for the group and accept bribes during his second term as mayor, particularly in the 2018-2022 period.
The allegations, which include claims of Ko taking bribes to facilitate the redevelopment, have caused significant political turmoil. The Taipei District Court granted an extension for Ko’s detention on November 1, 2023, after prosecutors sought further investigation. Chen Pei-chi herself was questioned by prosecutors on November 7, and she strongly rejected the allegations during her questioning.
In her Facebook post, Chen addressed the smear campaign against her husband, stating that the accusations were “unfair” and “untrue,” and that the portrayal of Ko as a bribe-taking criminal was meant to tarnish his reputation.
Chen Pei-chi’s Defense: Transparency and Integrity
Chen Pei-chi’s post also included personal reflections and photos, including a wedding picture with Ko and a document purportedly showing Ko’s mayoral expenditures. She expressed her frustration with the accusations, calling them an attack on Ko’s character and career.
“Describing him (Ko) as someone who would pocket any money he could is to destroy him,” Chen wrote. “It’s meant to shame him, and it’s deeply unfair and inaccurate.” This statement came after her second round of questioning by prosecutors as part of the corruption investigation.
Timeline of Key Events in Ko Wen-je’s Case
Here’s a quick overview of key developments in the corruption case and the legal proceedings:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 30, 2023 | Ko Wen-je and Chen Pei-chi questioned by prosecutors |
| Aug. 27-28, 2023 | Corruption-related arrests made of several individuals |
| Sept. 5, 2023 | Ko Wen-je detained for alleged involvement in corruption |
| Nov. 1, 2023 | Taipei District Court extends Ko’s detention for two months |
| Nov. 7, 2023 | Chen Pei-chi questioned by prosecutors |
FAQs: The Ko Wen-je Corruption Investigation
Q1: What is Ko Wen-je accused of?
A1: Ko Wen-je is accused of using his position as mayor to provide illegal benefits to the Core Pacific Group during a major land redevelopment project, and of taking bribes related to the project.
Q2: Why did Chen Pei-chi release the income details?
A2: Chen Pei-chi released the income details to rebut the corruption allegations against her husband, providing transparency and highlighting the couple’s financial records to refute claims of bribery.
Q3: How much money did Ko Wen-je earn as mayor?
A3: According to the posted income records, Ko and Chen’s combined income from 2015 to 2023 ranged mostly between NT$6 million and NT$8 million annually, with exceptions in 2022 and 2023.
Q4: What is the current status of the investigation?
A4: The investigation is ongoing, and Ko Wen-je remains detained. The Taipei District Court has extended his detention until at least December 2023 as prosecutors continue to gather evidence.
Q5: What impact has the case had on Ko’s political career?
A5: The case has created significant political turmoil for Ko, especially as he ran for president in the 2024 elections. The outcome of the investigation could affect his political future and public image.
Conclusion: A Political Storm for Ko Wen-je
As the corruption investigation against Ko Wen-je continues to unfold, his wife, Chen Pei-chi, has taken a firm stance in defending her husband’s integrity. The couple’s released income details provide transparency, but the allegations against Ko are still being examined by authorities. With political repercussions on the line, all eyes will remain on how this case develops and its impact on Ko’s future political career.
