Taiwan's former "leader" Chen Shui-bian faces judgment in court this afternoon on charges of corruption.

Chen, 58, is accused of embezzling $3.15 million between 2000 and 2008 from a "special presidential fund", receiving bribes worth at least $9 million in connection with a government land deal, laundering money through Swiss bank accounts and forging documents.

If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.