South Korean President Park Geun-hye colluded with a friend to take bribes from Samsung Group aimed at cementing Samsung Chief Jay Y. Lee's control of the conglomerate, the special prosecutor's office said Monday, paving the way for Park to be prosecuted if removed from office.
The findings of the 70-day probe directly accuse the impeached Park of wrongdoing on several charges, including the bribery conspiracy implicating Samsung.
Lee goes on trial for bribery and embezzlement Thursday amid a corruption scandal that has rocked South Korea and led to the impeachment.