The prosecution has slapped an overseas travel ban on Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee and other top executives as it investigates allegations of corruption surrounding the conglomerate.

On the list are eight or nine Samsung executives including Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Hak-soo and Samsung’s former corporate restructuring chief Kim In-joo.

The head of a special investigation team says the team will soon call in for questioning ex-chief corporate counsel Kim Yong-chul, who first made allegations about the group’s slush fund and illicit lobbying. They will also request that he submit materials related to the case.

Prosecutors said they need the former Samsung lawyer's knowledge to track down and seize bank accounts allegedly opened under borrowed names.

The team says it will speed up investigations until a special counsel is appointed to take over the case.

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