Bail conditions set for Core Pacific chairman in corruption trial

Taipei, July 11 (CNA) The Taipei District Court on Friday set bail conditions for Core Pacific Group Chairman Sheen Ching-jing (沈慶京), who is currently on trial in a corruption case that also involves former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲).

Under the ruling, Sheen, 77, must post NT$100 million (US$3.8 million) in cash and secure an additional NT$200 million bond through a financially qualified guarantor.

He would also be required to reside at his registered address in Taipei's Da'an District, in addition to being placed under electronic surveillance, the court said.

If released, Sheen must wear an ankle monitor, which can be removed temporarily for medical treatment.

Sheen is currently in hospital under police escort.

Should he fail to meet the court's bail conditions, the Core Pacific Group chairman will be returned to the Taipei Detention Center following his treatment.

Sheen is standing trial alongside Ko, Kuomintang (KMT) Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei (應曉薇), and former Taipei mayor's office director Lee Wen-tsung (李文宗). The four were indicted in December 2024 under the Anti-Corruption Act on charges including bribery, embezzlement, and breach of trust.

Prosecutors allege the defendants manipulated urban planning decisions to benefit the redevelopment of the Core Pacific City complex in Taipei's Songshan District. Sheen is accused of offering bribes and using disguised political donations to influence outcomes.

Sheen had previously requested release on health grounds. Friday's ruling comes after multiple extensions of his detention, with the latest two-month extension beginning on June 2.

The court also ordered Sheen to refrain from contacting other defendants or witnesses and to cooperate fully with electronic monitoring protocols.

Prosecutors are seeking a total sentence of 17 years for Sheen.