MOSCOW (Sputnik) – An, who resigned on October 30, was arrested in accordance with a warrant issued by the Seoul Central District Court, the Yonhap news agency reported. He has been in custody since late Wednesday after having been questioned by prosecutors.
The former secretary is accused of having pressured local companies to donate about $70 billion to two non-profit organizations. This money was allegedly illegally funneled to Park’s informal aide Choi Soon-sil.
An is also accused of an attempt to force a local company to give shares of another company it possessed to a third party.
According to other media reports, private secretary Jung Ho-sung was also arrested on Sunday.
On October 24, the JTBC television network reported that Choi allegedly received drafts of Park’s speeches before they were publicly delivered, despite not holding a public post. The following day, Park officially admitted asking Choi for advice on speeches and public relations issues, and apologized for "causing public concern."
The revelation has led to a massive anti-government protest in the country, with people calling on the president to step down. The scandal has also resulted in a cabinet reshuffle which opposition parties rejected.
