TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan High Court acquitted former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) of money laundering charges on Thursday after ruling the prosecution period had expired, CNA reported.

Prosecutors accused Chen and his wife, Wu Shu-jen (吳淑珍), of accepting NT$10 million (US$310,000) from Chen Min-hsiu (陳敏薰) in exchange for helping her become chair of the Taipei Financial Center Corporation. The couple was later sentenced to eight years in prison in related corruption cases.

During earlier proceedings, the High Court ruled that Chen was complicit in money laundering and ordered a reinvestigation. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office subsequently indicted him again on money laundering charges.

Taipei District Court suspended the trial in 2015 after doctors confirmed Chen’s chronic illnesses prevented him from attending hearings. He has remained on medical parole since January that year, per China Times.

The High Court said the statute of limitations, totaling 12 years and six months including trial delays, expired in December 2022. Judges dismissed the prosecutors’ appeal, rejecting claims that the District Court had miscalculated the time limit.

Chen served as Taiwan president from 2000 to 2008. He was previously convicted in separate corruption cases involving embezzlement and bribery during his presidency.