Thursday 5 February 2009

Taiwan ex-leader's sister-in-law pleads guilty to money laundering

The sister-in-law of former Taiwan president Chen Shui-bian pleaded guilty on Thursday to money laundering charges in the latest twist in a long-running corruption case also implicating Chen.

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Guanyu said...

Taiwan ex-leader's sister-in-law pleads guilty to money laundering

AFP
5 February 2009

TAIPEI: The sister-in-law of former Taiwan president Chen Shui-bian pleaded guilty on Thursday to money laundering charges in the latest twist in a long-running corruption case also implicating Chen.

“I am guilty,” Chen’s sister-in-law Chen Chun-ying told a Taipei court while her lawyer claimed that she did not profit from the alleged crime as she only provided dummy accounts.

She became the fourth member of the Chen family, including the ex-leader’s son and daughter-in-law, to enter guilty pleas in a case that has gripped the island for months.

Chen left office in May 2008 after eight years. He has been charged with embezzlement, taking bribes, money laundering, influence peddling and extortion and faces life in prison if convicted.

A total of seven people have pleaded guilty for their alleged roles in the case so far, according to the court. The ex-leader’s long-time treasurer Chen Cheng-hui this week admitted to forgery and perjury charges but denied involvement in graft and money laundering.

Some legal experts have expressed concerns over the handling of Chen’s case, including the court’s decision to detain him and to change the judge presiding over his trial.

Chen, whose pro-independence policies in office often irked Beijing, maintains he is innocent and accuses the current China-friendly government of his successor, President Ma Ying-jeou, of leading a witch hunt against him.

His wife Wu Shu-chen, also indicted on corruption and money laundering charges, is due to appear in court next week.