Prosecutors said Wednesday they have indicted the head of a South Korean cosmetics brand, Nature Republic, on charges of gambling in Asian countries.

Jeong Un-ho is suspected to have gambled between 2012 and 2014 in billiard halls in several Asian countries, including the Philippines and Macao.

Some 10 billion won ($8.57 million) was involved, with Jeong having connections with local gangsters and taking part in the illegal activities, according to the prosecution.

Since 2010, the 50-year-old has led the cosmetics company, well-known among both South Koreans and international customers. He founded Faceshop in 2003 before selling it to a private equity fund in 2005. (Yonhap)