Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian raises his handcuffed hands before being taken to Taipei district court in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan Province, Nov. 11, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Former Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian was formally detained early Wednesday for being allegedly involved in overseas money laundering and graft, Taiwan media has reported.

Taipei District Court made the decision after a court hearing that started on Tuesday.