TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Prosecutors applied to keep former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) detained on Friday (Oct. 25) based on fears he may collude with accomplices if released.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office said that after interrogating Ko, they believed he was involved in Anti-Corruption Act crimes, including accepting bribes in an official capacity, per CNA. The office said it has sufficient evidence to prove Ko colluded with accomplices to commit the alleged crimes.

It said Ko retains substantial influence despite no longer being an official, and that if his detention is not extended it will make it difficult to effectively prosecute the case. If Ko is convicted of the alleged crimes, he faces seven years to life imprisonment and a fine of up to NT$60 million (US$1.87 million).

Prosecutors also said they have issued an arrest warrant for a woman named Hsu Chih-yu (許芷瑜) who is reported to be Ko’s personal accountant.

Hsu left Taiwan for Japan during the investigation and has not returned, per UDN. Prosecutors have requested the foreign ministry cancel Hsu’s passport, in addition to seeking her arrest.

Ko was detained on Sept. 5 for two months, according to prosecutors. He is suspected of being involved in a corruption scheme that allegedly saw millions flow from a developer to Taipei City Council members during his mayoralty.