The electronic giant's vice-chairman denies bribery in a scandal that brought the downfall of South Korea's ex-President Park Geun-hye.
South Korean prosecutors are calling for a 12-year jail sentence for Samsung Electronics’ vice-chairman for his alleged role in a bribery scandal involving the country’s president.
Lee Jae-yong held back tears as he told the court he had never sought anything from donations. He has been in detention since February on charges ranging from embezzlement to perjury.
Lee is accused of bribing the country’s former President Park Geun-hye via a close aide, to help secure government support for a major restructuring at Samsung.
The scandal led to the president’s removal from office three months ago.
Four other executives also face charges.
The court is due to rule on Lee’s case on August 25.
On Monday police said they had also raided an office and seized documents relating to alleged misuse of company funds by Samsung’s chairman.
#UPDATE South Korea prosecutors seek 12 years’ jail for Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong https://t.co/vMvGjKyXpl pic.twitter.com/q9nqgwloj1
— AFP news agency (@AFP) August 7, 2017