South Korean court issues arrest warrant for ex-President Lee

Thursday’s decision by the Seoul Central District Court means prosecutors can immediately detain Lee for up to 20 days before formally charging him.

Prosecutors accuse Lee of taking a total of 11 billion won ($10 million) in bribes from his own intelligence agency and business groups.

Prosecutors allege Lee also used a private company as a channel to establish illicit slush funds totaling 35 billion won ($33 million).

Lee ruled from 2008-2013. Almost all South Korean presidents have been embroiled in scandals or other problems after leaving office or just before their terms ended.

Lee’s conservative successor, Park Geun-hye, was removed from office and jailed last year over a separate corruption scandal.