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, as well as misreporting campaign finances during his run for president in January.

The prosecutors asserted that Ko Wen-je, a former mayor, took bribes. He and his supporters have maintained that the charges are a political vendetta.

Ko Wen-je, former Taipei mayor and Taiwan People's Party founder, faces corruption charges, accused of accepting bribes linked to real estate while in office. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 28.