Special prosecutors investigating the scandal questioned the vice chairman of Samsung Electronics Lee Jae-yong for about 22 hours, as a suspect in the corruption scandal that led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, Yonhap reported.

Samsung is accused of allegedly donating 20.4 billion won (US$17.2 million) to two foundations set up by Park's longtime friend, Choi Soon-sil.

Samsung also signed a 22 billion-won consulting contract in August 2015 with a Germany-based firm owned by Choi and allegedly sent the company 3.5 billion won to fund her daughter's equestrian training, according to prosecutors.

Samsung denied the prosecutors' allegations, claiming they are not related to a 2015 merger of its two affiliates that was seen as important for the junior Lee's succession plan.