South Korean tech giant Samsung has refused to accept accusations its de facto leader is embroiled in a corruption scandal involving the country’s president.<br /><br /> The special prosecutors’ office is seeking the arrest of following 22-straight-hours of questioning last week.<br /><br /> S. Korean independent counsel issues arrest warrant for heir of Samsung Group, country’s largest conglomerate, over #ParkGeunhye scandal pic.twitter.com/327Ngm24o0— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) January 16, 2017<br /><br /> Lee, also known as Jay Y Lee, is accused of paying some 34 million euros to business leader Choi Soon-sil and two foundations she heads in return for political favours from her confidante, President Park Guen-hye. <br /><br /> The prosecutor’s office alleges the money represented bribes from Samsung. <br /><br /> Choi has repeatedly denied accusations of colluding with Park to pressure big businesses, including Samsung, to contribute to non-profit organisations which back the president’s initiatives.<br /><br /> Prosecutors are investigating whether Samsung’s support for such companies may have been linked to the National Pension Service’s (NPD) 2015 decision to support the merger of two Samsung Group affiliates. <br /><br /> Samsung denies lobbying to push through the merger.<br /><br /> Chairman of NPS, Moon Hyung-pyo has been charged with abuse of power and giving false testimony.<br /><br /> Who is where?<br /><br /> Choi is in detention and on trial on charges of abuse of power and attempted fraud. Park has been stripped of her powers while a decision is taken on whether to force her from office.<br /><br /> A court decision on whether to issue an arrest warrant for Lee is expected on Wednesday (January 18).<br />
