28 February 2017•Update: 28 February 2017
By Alex Jensen
SEOUL
Samsung Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong will be formally charged Tuesday amid a flurry of indictments related to wide-ranging corruption claims, according to special prosecutors wrapping up their investigation into the scandal.
Lee was arrested this month despite repeatedly rejecting allegations that he offered bribes worth tens of millions of dollars to ensure government support for a 2015 merger aimed at ensuring a smooth power succession from his ailing father, Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee.
A probe team spokesperson cited by Yonhap News Agency said four other Samsung executives are among 17 suspects set to be indicted on the final day of the special prosecution’s 70-day term, bringing the total number to 30.
State prosecutors will now take over the case after acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn rejected an extension of the investigation by a month.
Impeached President Park Geun-hye could yet face a string of charges such as forcing Samsung and other conglomerates to make donations, but she is immune from prosecution until she leaves office.
The Constitutional Court is likely to rule on December’s parliamentary vote to oust Park by mid-March.
Meanwhile, Samsung announced major changes geared towards self-reform Tuesday, including the resignations of company President Chang Choong-ki and Vice Chairman Choi Gee-sung -- both of whom are among the scandal-hit suspects.
South Korea’s largest conglomerate also said it would shut down a future strategy department seen as responsible for cozy government ties, while ensuring greater transparency and independence for the management of its affiliates.
