Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian and his wife Wu Shu-chen have been indicted on new corruption and money-laundering charges and accused of accepting 600 million new Taiwan dollars (18.6 million US dollars) in bribes, prosecutors said Thursday.

Also facing charges were five other members of the family including Chen's son and daughter, the former director of Chen Shui-bian's office, and 15 executives in several financial firms, local media reported.

The new charges came three months after the couple were convicted of embezzlement, money laundering, bribery and document falsification. Both were sentenced to life in prison by the Taipei District Court on Sept. 11.

Chen and Wu were still appealing their sentences at the Taiwan's high court. The court opened its second trial on Oct. 9, and Chen Chen-hui, former treasurer of the ex-leader, pleaded guilty for her involvement in Chen's corruption cases.

Chen was elected Taiwan leader in May 2000 and was in office for eight years.