Samsung heir Lee facing $45,000 fine over alleged sedative use

Lee's counsel said the medication was not unlawful as it was part of a doctor's treatment in the hospital


Reuters June 05, 2021
Samsung Group chief, Jay Y. Lee. PHOTO: REUTERS

South Korean prosecutors are seeking a $45,000 fine for Samsung Electronics vice chairman Jay Y. Lee over an allegation of unlawful use of a prescription sedative, a source with knowledge of the matter said on Friday.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office deemed it a summary indictment, it said in a statement, applicable for less serious offenses for which hearings are not held.

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The office declined to confirm the amount of the fine.

The source declined to be identified.

Lee's counsel said the medication was not unlawful as it was part of a doctor's treatment in the hospital, and it would carefully review the matter before deciding how to respond.

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A South Korean independent panel recommended in March that prosecutors cease investigating Lee over allegations that he had been routinely administered an anesthetic at a clinic. 

Lee has been detained on a separate bribery charge since January and is undergoing another trial on allegations including stock manipulation.

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