Prosecutors Question Former Tokyo Games Committee Official
Japanese prosecutors have questioned a former board member of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organizing committee on a voluntary basis in connection with a possible bribery case involving a sponsor.
Sources say investigators from the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office questioned Takahashi Haruyuki on Tuesday and Wednesday. Takahashi is said to have denied any wrongdoing.
Prosecutors suspect Takahashi may have accepted bribes in connection with the selection of major business suit retailer Aoki Holdings as a sponsor of the Games. They searched his residence and other sites on Tuesday.
A company headed by Takahashi is alleged to have received at least 45 million yen, or about 330,000 dollars, from Aoki since September 2017.
Takahashi reportedly explained to prosecutors that the money was legitimate compensation for consultation services provided to Aoki's businesses, including golf tournaments and bridal services.
He has also reportedly said he had told Aoki that he would not be able to cooperate in matters related to the Olympics because his role as a board member of the Games was unrelated to his consultation business.
The prosecutors on Wednesday raided the home of the Aoki founder and former chairman, Aoki Hironori, as well as a liquidation corporation for the Tokyo Games organizing committee, and confiscated documents.