The heir to the Samsung empire was convicted of bribery and other offences and jailed for five years in connection with the scandal that brought down former South Korean President Park Geun-Hye.
Lee Jae-Yong’s penalty could leave the vast conglomerate, which includes the world’s biggest smartphone maker, rudderless and hamper its ability to make key investment decisions for years.
Mr Lee was found guilty of bribery, perjury and other charges related to payments Samsung made to Ms Park’s secret confidante Choi Soon-Sil.
In total $7.9 million was paid in bribes in return for favours including government support for Mr Lee’s hereditary succession at the group after his father was left bedridden by a heart attack in 2014, the court found.
Four other top Samsung executives were also convicted, with two jailed for up to four years and the other pair given suspended terms. Supporters demonstrating outside the court broke down in tears.
