Former Taiwanese Presidential Candidate Sentenced to 17 Years in Corruption Case

The ruling against Ko Wen-je, once the mayor of Taipei, may further complicate the political environment in Taiwan.

Ko Wen-je, former Taipei mayor who ran in Taiwan's presidential race in 2024, leaves the Taipei District Court in Taipei, Taiwan, on March 26, 2026. Song Pi-lung/The Epoch Times

TAIPEI, Taiwan—A former Taiwanese presidential candidate has been found guilty of corruption and sentenced to 17 years in prison, a verdict that has attracted domestic media attention amid an ongoing political deadlock in the island nation.

Ko Wen-je, former mayor of Taipei, was convicted on four counts, including accepting bribes, embezzlement, and breach of trust, the Taipei District Court said in a statement.