A court in South Korea has approved the arrest of Samsung's heir apparent Lee Jae-yong, accused of bribery, embezzlement and perjury, APA reports quoting BBC.
The case is linked to a scandal that led to the impeachment of the country's President Park Geung-hye.
Samsung is accused of giving donations to non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a friend of Ms Park, in exchange for government favours.
Seoul Central District Court's decision is likely to shock the business world.