TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan prosecutors have charged a former mayor of Taipei who heads a small opposition party with accepting T$17.1 million ($522,392) in bribes over a major property development in the capital and misuse of political donations.

Former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People's Party founder Ko Wen-je has been indicted on corruption charges in Taiwan. He is accused of accepting bribes during his tenure as mayor, linked to a real estate development project.

Former Taipei mayor Ko is accused of accepting bribes linked to a real estate project and embezzling political donations, facing up to 28.5 years in prison

Ko Wen-je was a dark horse in January's presidential election Ko Wen-je, once a rising star in Taiwanese politics and a presidential contender, was indicted Thursday on corruption charges. The 65-year-old is accused of accepting half a million dollars in bribes involving a real estate dealing during his term as mayor of Taipei,

Ko Wen-je, a former Taiwanese presidential candidate, has been indicted on corruption charges tied to multiple scandals, including a property redevelopment project during his tenure as Taipei mayor.