South Korean prosecutors on Monday requested the arrest of Samsung heir, Lee Yong, on corruption charges linked to the ever-widening scandal surrounding President Park Guen Hye, the report said.
Lee, who is considered the de facto boss of the entire Samsung Group conglomerate, was summoned on the suspicion of bribery.
He is also the vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co and the grandson of the company’s founder.
He apologised on his arrival at the prosecutor’s office in Seoul.
Lee said: “Samsung had not shown a positive image.”
Lee is alleged to have provided financial support to a friend of Park’s in return for favours.
Although Lee’s father, Lee Kung, is officially chairman of Samsung, ill health has forced the younger Lee into a more prominent role in recent years.
Samsung is accused of making donations to several non-profit foundations operated by Choi Sil, a confidante of President Park, in exchange for Park’s support for a controversial merger.
Samsung’s offices have already been searched as part of the investigation.
The younger Lee and other heads of leading South Korean conglomerates also appeared before legislators in December to answer questions about the scandal.
Park, South Korea’s first female president, is facing charges of corruption, abuse of power and violating constitutional duties in an impeachment trial which began earlier this month.
NAN.
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