Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian raises his handcuffed hands before being taken to Taipei district court in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan Province, Nov. 11, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian was formally detained early Wednesday for being allegedly involved in overseas money laundering and graft, Taiwan media has reported.

Taipei District Court made the decision after a court hearing that started on Tuesday.

Taiwan ex-leader Chen Shui-bian handcuffed over graft scandal

Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian was handcuffed by prosecutors Tuesday for being involved in overseas money laundering and graft.

Chen was seen in TV news footage high raising his hands and showing the handcuffs before being taken to Taipei district court, where a judge could officially approve the arrest.

He was questioned by prosecutors for about six hours since Tuesday morning. It was the fifth time in the past six months that he was interrogated for allegations of laundering money and misusing a special fund during his eight years in office that ended in May.

So far prosecutors have interrogated 15 suspects including Chen's wife, son, daughter-in-law, assistants and friends. Eight of them were in custody.

Editor: Yan