Ko Wen-je's Wife Defends NT$2.44 Million Gift to Son Amid Corruption Probe

Chen Pei-chi, the wife of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, has publicly addressed controversy surrounding a NT$2.44 million transfer to her son for stock investments. The funds in question were reportedly part of money allegedly misappropriated by Ko Wen-je through his company, Mu Ke, in the Kuan Fu City case, for which he received a 17-year prison sentence. Chen vehemently denies any wrongdoing, asserting that the money was a legitimate gift from her and her husband.

Chen presented figures detailing the couple's combined annual income from 2015 to 2023, during Ko Wen-je's time as Taipei Mayor. She argued that their substantial income, averaging over NT$7 million annually during those eight years, more than covered the NT$2.44 million gifted to their son. She pointed out that their declared assets actually decreased during that period, suggesting that the excess income was channeled towards their children, a practice she claims has been consistent for decades, adhering to legal gift tax limits.

Furthermore, Chen criticized the media's portrayal of the transaction, particularly the implication that using a bank account linked to Ko Wen-je's business dealings constituted an acceptance of illicit funds. She explained that the transfer was made through the First Bank, the only bank where Ko Wen-je maintained an online banking account, which was initially set up for campaign finances and salary transfers to staff. Chen insists that their financial activities are transparent and that the media is attempting to create a false connection between legitimate gift-giving and corruption allegations.