One of the richest businessmen of South Korea, vice-president and de facto the head of Samsung Electronics Lee Jae-yong was arrested in connection with corruption scandal leading to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, BBC reported.

In January, a court in South Korea denied the request for Lee Jae-Yong’s arrest. On Friday, the court said it “acknowledged that it is necessary to arrest Lee Jae-Yong in light of a newly added criminal charge and new evidence.”

Lee Jae Yong formally takes the post of vice-president of Samsung.  However, after his father and President Lee Kun-hee suffered a heart attack, Lee Jae Yong is considered the de facto head of the corporation.

He is accused of illegal transfer of money to the funds controlled by South Korean President Park Geun-hye's friend, Choi Soon-sil. Lee Jae Yong denies abuse of official position.