Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong indicted for bribery, embezzlement

The heir to the Samsung empire and four other top executives from the world`s biggest smartphone maker were indicted Tuesday on multiple charges including bribery and embezzlement, South Korean prosecutors said.

"Special prosecutors today indicted Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-Yong... for bribery, embezzlement, hiding of assets overseas... and perjury," said Lee Kyu-Chul, spokesman for the team probing the corruption and power abuse scandal that has seen President Park Geun-Hye impeached.

Lee was arrested on February 17 over his alleged role in the corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye, dealing a fresh blow to the technology giant and standard-bearer for Asia`s fourth-largest economy.

The 48-year-old has effectively been at the helm of the conglomerate since his father suffered a heart attack in 2014.

Among other allegations, Lee is accused of paying nearly USD 40 million in bribes to a confidante of President Park's to secure policy favours. Lee -- who is also accused of concealing stolen assets -- has denied all charges.

His colleagues face similar charges except for the perjury count.

The scandal centres on Choi Soon-Sil, who is accused of using her close ties with Park to force local firms to "donate" nearly USD 70 million to non-profit foundations, which Choi allegedly used for personal gain.

Samsung was the single biggest donor to the foundations. It is also accused of separately giving millions of euros to Choi to bankroll her daughter's equestrian training in Germany.

Lee's arrest marked the first for a Samsung chief and dealt a huge blow to the electronics giant's corporate image.

With Agency Inputs