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Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong arrested in South Korea Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong arrested in South Korea
(about 2 hours later)
Samsung's heir apparent Lee Jae-yong has been placed under arrest in South Korea, accused of bribery and other charges.Samsung's heir apparent Lee Jae-yong has been placed under arrest in South Korea, accused of bribery and other charges.
The case is linked to a scandal that led to the impeachment of the country's President Park Geung-hye.The case is linked to a scandal that led to the impeachment of the country's President Park Geung-hye.
Samsung is accused of giving donations to non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a friend of Ms Park, in exchange for government favours.Samsung is accused of giving donations to non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a friend of Ms Park, in exchange for government favours.
Mr Lee and the Samsung Group deny any wrongdoing.Mr Lee and the Samsung Group deny any wrongdoing.
"We will do our best to ensure that the truth is revealed in future court proceedings," the Samsung Group said in a brief statement following Mr Lee's arrest.
The Samsung chief had already been questioned with several other company executives in January but a subsequent court ruling decided there was insufficient grounds for an arrest.The Samsung chief had already been questioned with several other company executives in January but a subsequent court ruling decided there was insufficient grounds for an arrest.
But on Friday, a court spokesman said in a statement: "It is acknowledged that it is necessary to arrest [Lee Jae-Yong] in light of a newly added criminal charge and new evidence."But on Friday, a court spokesman said in a statement: "It is acknowledged that it is necessary to arrest [Lee Jae-Yong] in light of a newly added criminal charge and new evidence."
Mr Lee has been in detention since he was summoned back to court for a hearing held behind closed doors earlier this week.Mr Lee has been in detention since he was summoned back to court for a hearing held behind closed doors earlier this week.
Prosecutors accused Mr Lee of giving bribes worth 41bn won ($36m/£29m) to President Park and her close friend Choi Soon-sil to win government support for a smooth leadership transition within Samsung.Prosecutors accused Mr Lee of giving bribes worth 41bn won ($36m/£29m) to President Park and her close friend Choi Soon-sil to win government support for a smooth leadership transition within Samsung.
Lee Jae-yong, also known as Jay Y Lee, first gave evidence in front of a parliamentary hearing in December last year. Since January he has been treated as an official suspect in the case.Lee Jae-yong, also known as Jay Y Lee, first gave evidence in front of a parliamentary hearing in December last year. Since January he has been treated as an official suspect in the case.
At the parliamentary hearing, Samsung admitted giving a total of 20.4bn won to two foundations, but denied seeking favours in return.At the parliamentary hearing, Samsung admitted giving a total of 20.4bn won to two foundations, but denied seeking favours in return.
And Mr Lee also confirmed the firm gave a horse and money to help the equestrian career of Ms Choi's daughter, Chung Yoo-ra, something he said he now regretted.And Mr Lee also confirmed the firm gave a horse and money to help the equestrian career of Ms Choi's daughter, Chung Yoo-ra, something he said he now regretted.
Mr Lee is currently vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics. But since his father, Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack in 2014, he is considered de facto boss of the entire Samsung Group conglomerate.Mr Lee is currently vice-chairman of Samsung Electronics. But since his father, Lee Kun-hee, suffered a heart attack in 2014, he is considered de facto boss of the entire Samsung Group conglomerate.
Prosecutors now have 20 days to detain and question him before they have to formally indict Mr Lee.Prosecutors now have 20 days to detain and question him before they have to formally indict Mr Lee.