Prosecutors seek 12-year sentence for Samsung heir in corruption trial

Aug. 7 (UPI) -- South Korean prosecutors demanded a 12-year sentence Monday in the corruption trial of Samsung Group leader Lee Jae-yong.

The four-month trial in Seoul of Lee, 49, also known as Jay Y. Lee, ended Monday. He is accused of bribery, perjury, concealing criminal profits, embezzlement and hiding funds overseas. He is accused of playing a role in Samsung's payment of millions of dollars to Choi Soon-sil, a confidante of former President Park Geun-hye. The ensuing scandal led to Park's impeachment.

Prosecutors said Lee bribed Park and Choi to win government approval for an internal Samsung merger that would establish him as leader of the global conglomerate.

Lee, officially a Samsung vice president, has run the company since his father, then-CEO Lee Kun-hee, had a heart attack in 2014.

"I have never asked the president for a favor for my private interest or for my own personal gain," Lee tearfully said in his final court statement. A verdict is expected on Aug. 25.

Four other Samsung executives are on trial in the corruption case. Choi was sentenced to three years in prison in June for her role in the scandal.

Park was impeached from her South Korean presidency and went on trial in May.