Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee was found not guilty of accounting fraud and stock manipulation by a Seoul appeals court, marking a significant legal victory that could strengthen his leadership of the global tech giant. The court upheld a previous ruling dismissing all charges related to a controversial 2015 merger that prosecutors argued was designed to solidify Lee’s control over Samsung.

The verdict removes a major legal obstacle that has followed Lee for nearly a decade, allowing him to focus on guiding Samsung through increasing competition and fluctuating market conditions. While some critics condemned the ruling as lenient, industry analysts view it as a positive development for the company’s stability and future strategy.