Akimoto release from jail after paying bail
According to his attorney, Akimoto maintains his innocence on all counts and plans to continue to serve in his position in the House.
Japan.- Politician Tsukasa Akimoto was released from jail last night after paying bail of JPY 30 million (US$273,000) following the Tokyo District Court’s decision to approve his release earlier in the week.
Although the Court set the bail on Monday, the Japanese House of Representatives member had to wait until yesterday to b e released due to an appeal filed by public prosecutors. The appeal was denied.
Akimoto was accused of having received more than 13,000 dollars worth of bribes and travel expenses from online casino operator 500.com, including flying by private jet to Macau in December 2017 when he visited a casino.
The accusations come on top of a previously alleged 18,000 dollars he received for giving a lecture at a symposium hosted by the firm in Okinawa in September of that year, paid to him via a consultancy company established in Tokyo by the former Policy Secretary.
According to his attorney, Akimoto maintains his innocence on all counts and plans to continue to serve in his position in the House, despite no longer having the support of the Liberal Democratic Party.
