Taipei  - Taiwan judicial authorities started a corruption probe against departing Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian Tuesday on the very day he ended his second four-year term as president.

"Prosecutor Chen Yun-nan was officially assigned on Tuesday to investigate the alleged role of former president Chen Shui-bian in the special state fund case," the Supreme Prosecutors Office said in a news statement.

It said the prosecutor also asked the Presidential Office to provide relevant information to assist in the probe.

The investigation was made possible after Chen lost his immunity after stepping down as president, judicial officials said.

Chen had been suspected of involvement in the embezzlement of some 14.8 million Taiwan dollars (450,000 US) in special state funds used for a secret diplomatic mission.

His wife, Wu Shu-chen, was indicted in December 2006 for allegedly pocketing the money by falsifying records to make funding claims. Prosecutors at that time said they had enough evidence to charge Chen with the same crime, but delayed the action due to presidential immunity.

Judicial officials said the probe would take four to six months before any charge would be made. During this period, authorities said that in respect for the ex-president they would not bar Chen from leaving Taiwan.

Chen had come under intense pressure to step down in late 2006 after his family and chief aides were either charged or convicted of corruption. He managed to survive the pressure and completed his second term Tuesday. (dpa)