Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong says he was not involved in the merger of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries in 2015.
 
In hearing sessions held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Seoul Central District Court, the Samsung heir claimed his innocence over the bribery allegations in the massive Choi Soon-sil scandal.
 
Lee denied allegations that Samsung's donations to Choi's projects and other support extended to her equestrian daughter were to facilitate the ownership succession.
 
Lee said he was not reported to about the matter and that former chief of the Future Strategy Office, Choi Gee-sung, was in charge of the merger and business operations at the office.
 
He also claimed that he did not request an "illegitimate favor" during his meeting with former President Park asking to facilitate the merger.
 
While acknowledging that Park pressed him for Samsung's expanded assistance for horseback riders, Lee said that he did not relate the call with Choi's daughter.