LG execs charged with "damaging" Samsung washing machines

LG's head of home appliances has been charged with breaking Samsung washing machines ahead of the IFA trade-show in September 2014.

Jo Seong-jin is accused of breaking the doors of four Samsung Crystal Blue washing machines and also faces charges of defamation and obstruction of business.

The charges have been filed in Seoul and two further executives are involved in similar complaints relating to the same incident.

LG has accepted the executives were scouting out the competition in Germany - but denied there was any wrongdoing. The firm has also released edited CCTV footage of the incident.

"It is questionable whether there is sufficient evidence to prove that the president of a global company deliberately destroyed the machines where employees of the competing company were present," LG lawyer Ham Yoon-keun told The Wall Street Journal.

"The truth will be revealed in the courts."

Each Samsung washing machine retails for $2,700 and LG paid for what it deemed was accidental damage. However, LG also took the opportunity to criticise the build quality of its competitor, which angered Samsung and led to legal proceedings.

Mediation between the fierce rivals was unsuccessful.

The article was originally published on 16/2/14 and updated on the 17/2/14 to include CCTV footage.