Samsung Group heir arrested on bribery allegations

Seoul

SAMSUNG Group's Jay Y Lee was formally arrested on allegations of bribery, perjury and embezzlement, an extraordinary step that jeopardises the executive's ascent to the top role at the world's biggest smartphone maker.

The Seoul Central District Court issued the warrant for Lee's arrest early on Friday. Including procedural steps and appeals, it may take as long as 18 months for a trial and verdict. The decision was made because of the risk that he might destroy evidence or flee, a court spokesman said.