Prosecutors in Taiwan indicted former presidential candidate and Taiwan People’s Party founder Ko Wen-je on corruption charges, accusing him of taking bribes during his time as mayor of Taiwan’s capital.

Chairman Ko Wen-je has been indicted on bribery and corruption charges linked to real estate dealings and campaign finance irregularities. Prosecutors seek a 28.5-year prison sentence, alleging NT$93.

The prosecutors asserted that Ko Wen-je, a former mayor, took bribes. He and his supporters have maintained that the charges are a political vendetta.

The decision came after Ko was indicted on charges of bribery and other forms of corruption yesterday with prosecutors seeking a total sentence of 28.5 years for the former Taipei mayor. According to today's ruling, Ko will be released on bail of NT$30 million (US$917,431) and be barred from changing his residence and going abroad.

The leader of the Taiwan People’s Party, who made clean governance a key part of his appeal to voters, is accused of taking bribes.

Ko Wen-je, a former Taiwanese presidential candidate, has been indicted on corruption charges tied to multiple scandals, including a property redevelopment project during his tenure as Taipei mayor.

Ko Wen-je was a dark horse in January's presidential election Ko Wen-je, once a rising star in Taiwanese politics and a presidential contender, was indicted Thursday on corruption charges. The 65-year-old is accused of accepting half a million dollars in bribes involving a real estate dealing during his term as mayor of Taipei,

Taipei City Councilor Chen Chong-wen has been sentenced to nine years in prison for corruption, fined and stripped of his right to hold public office for six years after finishing his sentence. Chen and his associates were found guilty of illegally profiting from a city welfare scheme.