The court sentenced Choi on charges of bribery, abuse of power and coercion, and ordered her to pay a fine of 18 billion won (16.6 million USD). She was accused of exploiting her ties with the former President and forcing 50 business conglomerates to pay a combined 77 billion won (71 million USD) to two non-profit foundations she controlled. She allegedly meddled in various state affairs and gained access to confidential government files even though she held no official position or authority in the Park government.