Prosecutors formally arrested a judge-turned-lawyer accused of accepting billions of won from clients in exchange for promises to use her connections and influence over courts to help them win lighter sentences.

The Seoul Central District Court issued the arrest warrant for lawyer Choi You-jeong Thursday night over suspicions that she took total of about 10 billion won ($8.6 million) from two clients -- cosmetics firm Nature Republic CEO Jung Woon-ho, accused of gambling, and an investment firm owner accused of fraud.

Prosecutors suspect the 45-year-old lawyer took the money in return for promises to use her status as a former judge.

Investigators have found that shevisited or phoned former colleague judges to ask for lighter sentences for the clients, officials said.

The case came to light after Jung raised a complaint over the money after Choi's attempts fell through. (Yonhap)