Samsung Group denies bribery charges in corruption probe

SEOUL, March 6 (Yonhap) -- Samsung on Monday disagreed with findings made by the independent counsel that accused the business group's de facto chief, Lee Jae-yong, of bribing a longtime friend of President Park Geun-hye to help smooth his leadership succession.

South Korea's largest business conglomerate made the remarks shortly after special prosecutors announced the findings of their investigation into the presidential influence-peddling scandal that led to the impeachment of Park and the arrest of 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 Soon-sil, the longtime friend of Park.

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.

In a statement, Samsung, which has consistently denied the bribery charges, said, "We disagree with the Special Prosecutor's findings."

"Samsung has not paid bribes nor made improper requests seeking favors. Future court proceedings will reveal the truth," it said.

A court is scheduled to hold its first hearing in the trial to determine if Lee really bribed Choi on Thursday.

(END)