Samsung's heir Lee Jae-yong sentenced to 5 years in prison for bribery and corruption

10

Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung and would-be heir of the tech empire, was earlier today found guilty of bribery and embezzlement, and was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Lee was accused of wiring the equivalent of almost $40 million from Samsung subsidiaries to two foundations set up by a confidante of impeached president of South Korea Park Geun-hye.

Previous reports alleged that the money was paid out to win favor from the country's state pension fund, which supported a merger between two Samsung affiliates in 2015. This was reportedly done in a bid to secure regulatory approval for the merger of two Samsung affiliates in 2015, despite the majority of shareholders in the conglomerate being opposed to the $8 billion merger.

A lawyer for the 49-year old, de-facto heir of the Samsung empire said earlier today that they will appeal against the court's decision, expressing confidence that the ruling will be overturned.

Lee's conviction is a blow to the Korean tech empire, whose shares saw a 1 percent drop after the court's ruling.

source: Reuters
Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off
$90
$210
$120 off (57%)
Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.
Buy at Mint Mobile
Recommended For You
COMMENTS (10)