Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong was arrested on Friday morning. Samsung is the country's largest conglomerate.

Lee is suspected of asking for support from the presidential office in connection with a merger of 2 Samsung affiliates.

He is also suspected of applying pressure through the presidential office on the Fair Trade Commission to secure favorable treatment for cross-shareholding within the group.

In return, he allegedly provided a massive amount of funds for President Park Geun-hye and her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil.
A court approved the arrest warrant requested by a special prosecutor investigating a political scandal involving President Park and Choi.

The court reached the decision after looking into the matter on Thursday through early Friday.

The prosecutor had provided the court with additional evidence after it rejected his request last month.

Observers say Lee's arrest could accelerate the investigation into the alleged bribery. They also say it may have an impact on the Samsung Group.