Taipei - Former Taiwan president Wednesday Chen Shui-bian was remanded into custody Wednesday after his arrest on graft allegations, becoming first former president to be detained in Taiwan's history.

The Taipei District Court remanded Chen into custody at 7 am (2300 GMT Tuesday) following an overnight court hearing, which opened after his detention by the Supreme Prosecutor's Office, which questioned Chen Tuesday.

Chen, 57, who became president in 2000 and left office in May, could face up to a 30-year prison sentence if convicted. He faces allegations including embezzlement of government funds, money laundering, fraud and taking bribes.

Chen is to be taken to the Taipei Penitentiary from the Taipei District Court. A trial is expected to be held before the end of the year, cable television channel CTI said. dpa