23rd November, 2016
South Korean prosecutors on Wednesday raided the offices of Samsung and a state-run pension fund in connection with the current corruption scandal involving President Park Geun Hye and her friend Choi Soon Sil.
The media report said that prosecutors were investigating whether Park pressured the National Pension Service (NPS) to support Samsung in return for favours given to Choi.
It noted that the NPS, which held stakes in Samsung’s construction arm and its de facto holding firm Cheil Industries Inc, played a key role in the two companies’ merger.
The country’s largest opposition party said on Monday that it would take steps to begin impeachment proceedings against Park over the widening scandal that had rocked the nation.
The move came a day after prosecutors said Park likely played a role in an influence-peddling case involving her close friend and confidante Choi.
Choi was indicted on a string of charges, including abuse of authority and attempted fraud.
The prosecutors said they could not indict Park herself currently, because the country’s constitution guarantees the president immunity “except in cases of insurrection or treason.”
Park is accused of allowing Choi to meddle in public affairs.
She is thought to have had access to secret state documents even though she holds no official position.