Ex-leader Lee faces probe

Prosecutors of the Special Investigation Division of the Supreme Prosecutor Office confirmed yesterday they would investigate the alleged involvement of suspected money laundering operations involving former President Lee.

“We will look into the allegation brought against Lee,” prosecutors' spokesman Chen Yun-nan told reporters. When asked if Chen was the accuser, the prosecutor replied “yes.” Prosecutors on his staff said former President Lee and his bodyguards will be questioned to help with the probe.

Former President Chen has repeatedly alleged on television that his predecessor transferred over NT$1 billion — or more than US$50 million — abroad through dummy accounts after Chen and his family came under intensified probe for scams. He said the money siphoned by Lee was involved with the funds in secret accounts related to national security and secret diplomatic missions.

Chen formally brought charges against Lee on Sept. 5, confirmed the prosecutors. The formal charges left prosecutors no choice but to take the standard legal procedure.

But Lee, who served as president between 1988-2000, has repeatedly and angrily rejected Chen's charges.

Leaders of the Taiwan Solidarity Union criticized Chen for attempting to drag others down after he himself was trapped in legal troubles.

The TSU is a political party established by Lee to promote Taiwan independence after he was expelled by the Kuomintang for his allegedly assistance in getting Chen elected as his successor in 2000 by dividing his own KMT camp.

Lin Chih-chia, TSU secretary general, urged the public to be aware of Chen's “squid tactic” of splashing black ink on other people to create chaos in order to escape blame.

Lin said Chen holds the misconception that by dragging another president down this would help reduce the chances of his own conviction or at least alleviate the sentences he might receive.

Chen and his family members were indicted on Dec. 11 for graft and money laundering.

Lin said that Chen's action of “marring Lee will not bleach himself,” stressing that the TSU has 200 percent confidence in Lee's integrity.

He said Lee had actually called for a thorough probe about Chen's allegations so that his name can be cleared.

Lee and Chen used to be seen as cementing a “father-son” relationship after the former made strenuous efforts to help the younger one get elected as president and serve as his own successor.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email