Prosecutors formally charge South Korea's ex-president Park for bribery
Park’s impeachment was confirmed by Seoul's top court last month
Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye arrives for questioning on her arrest warrant at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, March 30, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS
SEOUL:
South Korea's ousted President Park Geun-Hye on Monday was charged with bribery involving millions of dollars over the corruption scandal that sparked her downfall.
Park, whose impeachment was confirmed by Seoul's top court last month, also faces charges of abusing her powers and leaking state secrets, Seoul prosecutors probing the scandal said in a statement.
Ousted South Korean leader ‘behind bars’ after arrest on bribery charges
"We have formally charged Park...with multiple offences including abuse of power, coercion, bribery and leaking state secrets," they said after wrapping up the months-long investigation.
Park is accused of colluding with her confidante Choi Soon-sil, who is already on trial, in coercing local conglomerates into donating a total of 77.4 billion won ($68 million) to two non-profit foundations.
Choi allegedly used some of the donations for personal gain.
Park is also accused of offering policy favours to top businessmen who enriched Choi, including Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong who was arrested earlier and is also on trial for bribery.
Prosecutors on Monday also charged Shin Dong-Bin, the chairman of the giant Lotte Group, with bribing Choi and Park.
South Korea's ex-president criticised for leaving dogs at Blue House
Park, 65, has been behind bars at a detention centre in the outskirts of Seoul since her arrest last month.
The scandal prompted millions to take to the street for weeks calling for the ousting of the conservative president. Parliament impeached Park last December amid growing public pressure.
South Korea's ousted President Park Geun-Hye on Monday was charged with bribery involving millions of dollars over the corruption scandal that sparked her downfall.
Park, whose impeachment was confirmed by Seoul's top court last month, also faces charges of abusing her powers and leaking state secrets, Seoul prosecutors probing the scandal said in a statement.
Ousted South Korean leader ‘behind bars’ after arrest on bribery charges
"We have formally charged Park...with multiple offences including abuse of power, coercion, bribery and leaking state secrets," they said after wrapping up the months-long investigation.
Park is accused of colluding with her confidante Choi Soon-sil, who is already on trial, in coercing local conglomerates into donating a total of 77.4 billion won ($68 million) to two non-profit foundations.
Choi allegedly used some of the donations for personal gain.
Park is also accused of offering policy favours to top businessmen who enriched Choi, including Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong who was arrested earlier and is also on trial for bribery.
Prosecutors on Monday also charged Shin Dong-Bin, the chairman of the giant Lotte Group, with bribing Choi and Park.
South Korea's ex-president criticised for leaving dogs at Blue House
Park, 65, has been behind bars at a detention centre in the outskirts of Seoul since her arrest last month.
The scandal prompted millions to take to the street for weeks calling for the ousting of the conservative president. Parliament impeached Park last December amid growing public pressure.