April 20, 2024

• 

[THE INVESTOR] A Seoul court on Feb. 16 started a review on special prosecutors’ second request to issue an arrest warrant for Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong on bribery charges in connection with an influence-peddling scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her close aides. 

Lee, the de facto leader of the nation’s largest conglomerate, appeared at the Seoul Central District Court to attend the hearing that started at 10:30 a.m. The judge’s decision is expected to come after midnight.

In January, the court rejected an arrest warrant for the Samsung heir, citing a lack of evidence. It is rare for prosecutors to apply for an arrest warrant for a second time unless significant new evidence has emerged.

Lee is suspected of having ordered his top aides to financially support the impeached president’s long-time friend Choi Soon-sil and her bogus companies in return for business favors amid the group’s pending leadership transfer from the ailing Samsung patriarch  Lee Kun-hee to the son.

Especially prosecutors are investigating whether Choi has influenced the controversial merger of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries last year, a crucial step for the junior Lee to gain more control over Samsung Electronics, the group’s crown jewel, and other key affiliates.

The court also will decide whether to arrest Park Sang-jin, a Samsung executive president, who is accused of orchestrating the group’s support schemes for Choi and her businesses.

Samsung has thus far denied all allegations, saying its donations, worth a combined 43 billion won (US$36.30 million), have been made for public purpose of Choi’s foundations, not for any preferential treatments.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)