Choi Soon-sil's 20-year old daughter, Chung Yoo-ra [Yonhap Photo]
A confidant of South Korea's disgraced President Park Geun-hye has been placed under emergency arrest for his alleged role in collecting money from conglomerates in a turbulent scandal that has damaged the president's image and authority.
Ahn Jong-Beom was arrested shortly before midnight Wednesday, ten hours after he walked into the office of prosecutors for questioning. The 57-year-old, who stepped down Sunday as a senior presidential aide, has been portrayed as a key figure in the scandal involving Park's longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil, accused of meddling in state affairs.
Choi is also suspected of embezzling money from the two foundations, Mir and K-Sports, created with 77.4 billion won (68 million US dollars) donated by dozens of conglomerates.
Describing Ahn as a flight risk, prosecutors said he denied his involvement in the scandal and had tried to manipulate evidence. The investigation focuses on whether he used his position and influence in wresting money from big firms. Corporate donations have long been a controversial issue in South Korea due to concern about collusive ties between businessmen and politicians.
There have been unverified reports that Ahn supported Choi's companIes based in Germany, including a sports consulting firm called Widec. Samsung and other firms face an investigation to see if they remitted money to Choi.
Choi's 20-year-daughter, Chung Yoo-ra, is suspected of receiving illegal corporate sponsorship for her equestrian education by a German trainer.
Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
