TAIPEI - THE US mission here confirmed for the first time on Thursday that Taipei has sought judicial help from Washington in probing the graft case implicating Taiwan's former president and his family.

Former president Chen Shui-bian has been in custody since December on corruption and other charges.

'Taiwan's law enforcement authorities have been in touch with US counterparts concerning tracking former president Chen's funds in the United States,' Thomas Hodges, spokesman for the American Institute in Taiwan, told AFP.

The two sides in 2002 signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement, which 'establishes a mechanism by which US and Taiwan law enforcement authorities may cooperate in obtaining and sharing relevant information and evidence,' he said.

Mr Hodges would not provide details regarding the case, saying 'as this is a law enforcement matter, we would refer you to the US Department of Justice or to the Taiwan authorities for further information.' The United States has maintained close economic ties with Taiwan and remains a leading arms supplier to the island despite Washington switching diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.

Chen Yun-nan, spokesman for the prosecutors in charge of the Chen case, was tight-lipped when asked to comment on the issue.

Local media said Chen Shui-bian and his family had stashed billions of Taiwan dollars in Switzerland, Singapore, the United States, Japan, and several other countries. Both Switzerland and Singapore have supplied Taiwan with information in the Chen case, prosecutors said.

Chen has admitted that his wife wired US$20 million (S$30.4 million) abroad from his campaign funds, but insists that she did so without his knowledge at the time.

Chen is also accused of embezzlement, taking bribes, influence peddling and extortion; he denies all charges. He faces life in prison if convicted on all counts.

Chen has repeatedly said the allegations against him and his family are part of a witch hunt by Taiwan's current, China-friendly Kuomintang government, in revenge for his pro-independence rhetoric while in office. Some legal experts have expressed concern about the handling of the case, including the decision to detain Chen ahead of his trial and to change the presiding judge. -- AFP