Hsinchu City Mayor Ann Kao is denying allegations that she maintained an
improper relationship with a local property developer.

The denial comes after prosecutors announced they'd opened an investigation
into a complaint filed against the mayor by several D-P-P- city councilors.

According to the Hsinchu District Prosecutors' Office, it's investigating
claims regarding the relationship between Kao and a property developer who
rented an apartment to the mayor's boyfriend.

Prosecutors say they were also probing allegations of impropriety made by the
D-P-P city council caucus relating to Kao's appointment of former
spokesperson Shi Shu-ting to lead the city government's Department of Civil
Affairs.

Kao is currently awaiting trial in a separate corruption case, after being
indicted by the Taipei District Prosecutor's Office in August.

That indictment is connection with the alleged misuse of public funds while
she served as a lawmaker.