Taiwan's former first lady questioned in graft probe

TAIPEI (AFP) — Taiwanese prosecutors on Saturday questioned former president Chen Shui-bian's wife in a corruption probe, days after the ex-leader was detained in connection with the same case.

The wheelchair-bound Wu Shu-chen was questioned at her home in an upmarket Taipei district instead of the prosecutor's office due to her frail condition, prosecutors said.

Wu was interrogated on suspicion of money laundering having previously been indicted for graft and forgery over the alleged embezzlement of around 15 million Taiwan dollars (about 450,000 US) during Chen's term, in a case which also implicates the former president.

The ex-leader has admitted submitting falsified expense forms to claim state funds but said the money was used for "secret diplomatic missions," not for his personal benefit.