Taiwan prosecutors yesterday indicted convicted former leader Chen Shui-bian on an additional charge of money laundering, less than three weeks after he was freed from jail on medical parole.

Chen, who had been serving a 20-year jail term on multiple graft and money laundering convictions relating to his time in office, was released on medical parole earlier this month after being diagnosed with severe depression, suspected Parkinson’s disease and other conditions.

Yesterday he was charged with laundering NT$10 million (US$320,000) through his brother-in-law. The money was a bribe offered by a businesswoman to help her secure a position when he was Taiwan’s leader, the Taipei prosecutor’s office said.

There are still a number of outstanding cases against Chen stemming from the 2000-08 period when he was in power that could lead to more years in prison if he were to be convicted.

The 64-year-old was initially given a month’s parole, with his freedom depending on his state of health. He will be subject to monthly checkups.

Chen and his family have been accused of laundering millions of dollars by sending political donations and secret government funds abroad, as well as taking kickbacks on government contracts and bribes from businesspeople.

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