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South Korea: Samsung chief formally charged with bribery and embezzlement

By  |  February 28, 2017

The acting head of Samsung, Lee Jae-yong, has been charged with bribery and embezzlement in connection with the corruption scandal that led to the impeachment of South Korea’s president.

NPR’s Elise Hu reported from Seoul that prosecutors announced the indictment after a three-month investigation:

“Samsung acting head Lee Jae-Yong got ensnared after documents showed Samsung funneled some $36 million to the president’s close confidant. Prosecutors say the money was paid to win government support of a controversial 2015 company merger.

“The merger did go through, after a vote of support from the government. In a statement, Samsung says it has not paid bribes or made improper requests to the government. Lee is currently in jail awaiting further proceedings in his case.”

Lee was arrested on Feb. 17, two months after President Park Geun-hye was impeached over allegations of corruption, influence-peddling and cult ties.

Full Content: The Straits Times

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