TAIPEI: Former Taiwanese "president" Chen Shui-bian's treasurer yesterday admitted to graft and money laundering in a long-running corruption case in which prosecutors allege the ex-leader is deeply implicated.

Chen Chen-hui, the ex-leader's chief book-keeper during his 2000-2008 term, had already admitted to committing forgery and perjury but had denied involvement in the more serious offences before undergoing a change of heart.

"I am guilty," Chen told a Taipei court but stressed that in committing the offenses she was following the instruction of her superiors.

Her lawyer said the former cashier changed her mind in the hope of reaching a plea bargain after two "ex-presidential aides", also indicted in the case, attempted to make her a scapegoat for the criminal activity.

Ten people, including the ex-leader's wife, son and daughter-in-law, have admitted their roles in the massive case that has gripped the island for months.

Chen's wife, Wu Shu-chen, last week admitted money laundering and forgery but denied embezzlement charges.

Wu admitted wiring $2.2 million abroad but said the money was a political donation, not a bribe. She also said a businessman involved in a land deal wired $5.88 million to her brother's bank accounts abroad.

But Wu testified her husband, who is due to appear before court again next week, had no knowledge of the wired funds.

Chen Shui-bian, who left office in May, after serving as "president" between 2000 and 2008, has been detained on charges of embezzlement, accepting bribes, money laundering, influence peddling and extortion. He faces life in prison if convicted.

Some legal experts have expressed concerns over the handling of Chen Shui-bian's case, including the court's decision to detain him and then to change the judge presiding at the trial.

(HK Edition 02/20/2009 page1)