Samsung chief questioned again

SEOUL, April 11 (UPI) -- The head of South Korea's Samsung Group was questioned again Friday by a special prosecutor probing alleged corruption in the nation's largest conglomerate.

Chairman Lee Kun-hee appeared before Cho Joon-woong a week after undergoing similar questioning for 11 hours, Yonhap reported.

The 66-year-old did not speak to reporters but his attorney said he would do so after the inquiry when a decision is expected on whether to indict Lee and, if so, on what charges.

The case came up after a former company attorney alleged Samsung had set up a $205 million slush fund and that it lobbied officials, judges and prosecutors, the report said. The allegations also maintain Lee had illegally transferred control of the group from Lee to his son in 1996.

Samsung has denied the allegations.

The report said the chairman's wife was questioned this month over allegations she used some of the so-called slush funds to buy expensive paintings.

There is concern in the country since Samsung reportedly accounts for nearly a quarter of the nation's exports and gross national product.