Samsung chief indicted for bribery, embezzlement amid scandal

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

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

Among other allegations, Lee is accused of paying nearly $40 million in bribes to a confidante of President Park's to secure policy favours.

"Special prosecutors today indicted Samsung Electronics vice chairman Jay Y. Lee... for bribery, embezzlement, hiding of assets overseas... and perjury," Lee Kyu-Chul, spokesman for the team probing the corruption and power abuse scandal, said.

The other executives to be charged are Samsung Group vice chairman Choi Gee-sung, president Chang Choong-ki and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd president Park Sang-jin and executive vice president Hwang Sung-soo, the spokesman said.

Lee, who is also accused of concealing stolen assets, has denied all charges.

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

The scandal centres on Choi Soon-Sil, who is accused of using her close ties with Park to force local firms to "donate" nearly $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.

The special prosecutor's office will make an official announcement regarding the conclusion of its investigation on 6 March.