Taiwan ex-president held over corruption claims

The stations report that Chen is being taken to Taipei district court, where prosecutors are seeking an arrest order from a judge.

There has been no official statement from prosecutors on the case.

Chen faced more than five hours of questioning Tuesday in connection with his role in an alleged money laundering scheme.

Chen had earlier said he expected to be arrested after being questioned over alleged corruption at prosecutors' offices Tuesday, and police surrounded the building as dozens of his supporters gathered.

Chen, who insists he is innocent of the charges, has been the object of a six-month probe into allegations he laundered money and made illegal use of a special presidential fund during his eight years in office that ended in May.

He said late Monday he expected to be arrested after he meets with investigators.

Prosecutors had no immediate comment on Chen's remarks, though they were expected to make an announcement on his fate later Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday before entering the prosecutors' office, Chen said his probable arrest was linked to attempts by newly installed Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou to placate China, following violent protests last week against a visiting Chinese envoy.

"Long live Taiwanese democracy," Chen declared to his supporters outside the prosecutor's office. "Long live Taiwanese independence." 摘至 CNN.COM