The former first family is suspected of sending at least T$1 billion (S$44.9 million) to Japan, the United States, the Cayman Islands, Singapore and Switzerland, among other places, Taiwan newspapers said, citing the Supreme Court prosecutor's office. -- ASSOCIATED PRESS
TAIPEI - TAIWAN prosecutors believe the family of former President Chen Shui-bian, under investigation for alleged misuse of state funds, has moved money to 10 other countries or regions, local media reported on Saturday.
The former first family is suspected of sending at least T$1 billion (S$44.9 million) to Japan, the United States, the Cayman Islands, Singapore and Switzerland, among other places, Taiwan newspapers said, citing the Supreme Court prosecutor's office.
'In investigating the former first family's secret accounts overseas, the prosecutor discovered that Chen's family assets had been spread to at least four continents, including 10 countries and regions,' the United Daily News said.
Mr Chen, in office from 2000 to May 2008, denies any wrongdoing. But the probes into the affairs of the former president and his family have tarnished the image of the Democratic Progressive Party, which faces local elections in 2009.
Mr Chen and his wife, Mdm Wu Shu-chen, left the party on Aug. 15.
Earlier this month, Swiss justice officials requested Taiwan's assistance in an investigation into suspected money laundering involving accounts held by Chen's son, Mr Chen Chih-chung, and daughter-in-law, Ms Huang Jui-ching. Swiss authorities have frozen US$21 million in the couple's accounts.
In Singapore, monetary authorities say they are cooperating with Taiwan investigators over another stash of suspicious funds.
Mr Chen has said he did nothing illegal.
'I'm willing to accept every part of society's most severe criticism and evaluation of whatever I was responsible for over the past eight years,' he said in a statement on Aug 28.
