Samsung’s Vice Chairman, Lee Hak-soo, was questioned on Friday by South Korean officials investigating claims that the conglomerate is guilty of tax evasion, mis-sold shares and using a $213m “slush fund” to bribe government employees and the courts.  Many of the claims come from Samsung’s ex-attorney Kim Yong-chul, who accused the company of corruption and of bypassing the law in an attempt to avoid paying inheritance tax and to ensure control of different sub-corporations are passed unhindered from father to son. 

Lee Hak-soo’s questioning has led to speculation that Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee is next in line to be brought in; investigators have already raided the conglomerate’s offices, including the chairman’s office itself.

Photo credit AP/Yonhap, Park Ji-ho

“I faithfully answered in response to the various things they asked” Lee Hak-soo, Vice Chairman, Samsung

Samsung has denied the allegations, and is currently appealing against several court rulings concerning bonds convertible to shares sold to children of executives at below market value. 

Various other members of Samsung’s management have been questioned as part of the investigation, which is expected to run until April.