Samsung's heir apparent Lee Jae-yong is to be formally indicted on multiple charges including bribery and embezzlement, prosecutors said.

The case is tied to the scandal which led to the impeachment of the country's president, Park Geun-hye, reports the BBC.

South Korea's special prosecutor's office announced the charges against the de-facto Samsung chief, along with four other company executives.

Three of those executives resigned on Tuesday following the announcement.

Samsung also said it was dismantling its corporate strategic office, a unit coordinating the various arms of the huge conglomerate.

Samsung is accused of giving donations to non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a friend of Ms Park, in exchange for government favours.

He had been arrested earlier this month as prosecutors prepared the indictment.

BDST: 2130 HRS, FEB 28, 2017
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