Samsung Denies Bribery Charges As South Korea Prosecutor Announces Conclusions In Corruption Probe
Samsung on Monday disagreed with findings made by the independent counsel that accused the business group's chief Lee Jae-yong of bribing South Korea's President Park Geun-hye to help smooth his leadership succession.
Samsung made the remarks shortly after special prosecutor's office announced the findings of their investigation into the presidential influence-peddling scandal that led to the impeachment of Korea's President Park and the arrest of Samsung's Lee.
Lee, vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Co., was arrested on Feb. 17 and indicted last week over charges, including paying bribes worth 43 billion won (US$37.2 million) to Choi Choi Soon-sil -- the prime person of interest in the South Korean political scandal as a person with influence over the President of South Korea Park Geun-hye.
The bribes were allegedly paid to Choi to help Samsung move ahead with a succession plan, including a controversial merger of two Samsung affiliates in 2015, according to the prosecutors.
According to the results of the probe, investigators claimed Park colluded with Choi to receive the bribes from Samsung Group.
"Samsung has not paid bribes nor made improper requests seeking favors. Future court proceedings will reveal the truth," Samsung said.
A court is scheduled to hold its first hearing in the trial to determine if Lee really bribed Choi on Thursday.