Prosecutors questioned Samsung Electronics Co.'s vice chairman and heir apparent for about 22 hours in an influence-peddling probe that has reached the highest levels of government and business in South Korea.
Jay Y. Lee was released early Friday morning after appearing at the special prosecutor's offices in central Seoul on Thursday. Investigators have said Lee, 48, is a suspect in their bribery investigation and that the charges may widen to include allegations of embezzlement and breach of duty. The scion of South Korea's richest family has denied any wrongdoing; Samsung declined further comment.
"Lee returned home at around 7:30 a.m. this morning," said Lee Kyu-chul, a spokesman for the special prosecutor, in a telephone call later Friday morning. "He has denied most of the allegations. Whether the prosecution will request an arrest warrant or not will be decided likely today or tomorrow."