Prosecutors to probe former Taiwan leader Lee

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-26 18:21

TAIPEI - Prosecutors in Taiwan said Friday they are looking into money laundering allegations against former leader Lee Teng-hui after his successor charged that he embezzled and moved large sums of official funds abroad.

Prosecution spokesman Chen Yun-nan's statement comes at a time Taiwan is making efforts to punish high-ranking officials who have been involved in corruption.

Earlier this month, former leader Chen Shui-bian was indicted on graft charges for allegedly embezzling 104 million New Taiwan dollars ($3.14 million) from a special presidential fund together with his wife. Several former senior officials from his administration are also under investigation for corruption.

Chen Yun-nan told reporters Friday that Chen Shui-bian provided information on Lee's alleged money laundering during the investigation. He did not elaborate on the details of the charges.

Earlier this month, Chen Shui-bian told reporters that Lee embezzled NT$1.6 billion ($48 million).

Lee denied the charges last Sunday, and said he welcomed investigation. On Friday his office declined to comment on the prosecutors' move.

Lee served as Taiwan's leader from 1988-2000, and he was succeeded by Chen.