Civic groups have filed a complaint with the prosecution, accusing Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong of violating his parole.

In their complaint submitted to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on Wednesday, the seven groups, including People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, claimed that Lee breached his employment restrictions.

They referred to Lee being briefed on Samsung's management issues immediately after his release on August 13 and announcing the group's investment and employment plans on August 24.

Under the additional punishment law on specific economic crimes, Lee, who was released early from his two-and-a-half-year sentence for bribery, is prohibited from work at the company where his crime took place until five years after his sentence ends.

Justice Minister Park Beom-kye, however, stirred controversy recently after he said Lee's managerial activity did not count as employed since he has not been paid for the past several years as a nonexecutive and unregistered board member.