Alka Verma –
Published On: October 26, 2021 at 12:20 IST
On Tuesday, October 26, a Court in Seoul fined Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Vice Chairman Jay Y. Lee for using an unlawful sedative.
The Court charged a sum of 70 million won, which is around $59,461.62, including a fee for illegally using a controlled substance.
The Seoul Central District Court fined Lee for using propofol, which is a sedative used in anaesthesia, multiple times between 2015-2020.
In the latest hearing that happened on October 13, Lee admitted in front of them in Court to unlawful use of a controlled substance, although he was released on Parole.
Lee admitted that he had used propofol around 41 times between 2015 and 2020.
Lee’s Counsels stated before the Court that he used propofol because of the need for medical treatment.
Adding to this, the Counsels appearing for Lee stated that this happened because of the psychological pressure after the hospitalisation of his father, also a result of the graft scandal and the trial leading to the conviction.
However, the Prosecutors stated that Lee used propofol under the guise of skin treatment, unrelated to a legitimate treatment.
“This matter originated as for treatment, but I am deeply regretful. I will make sure that this does not happen again, “ stated Lee before the Court on October 13.
As per South Korean law, the recipient of a controlled substance if used illegally is liable for Prosecution, as well as those who used the drug.
It should be noted here that Lee was arrested in January as accused of bribery and embezzlement and he was sentenced to 30 months in jail. Lee was released on Parole in August and has kept a low profile since then.
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