Prosecutors on Thursday sought a 3 1/2-year prison term for former construction minister Eiichi Nakao, claiming he took 60 million yen in bribes from Wakachiku Construction Co. while he was a Cabinet member in 1996.
Prosecutors also demanded a fine of 60 million yen. Nakao is accused of receiving 50 million yen in cash and a check for 10 million yen from Hiroshi Ishibashi, who was chairman of Wakachiku Construction.
He allegedly received the bribes in various places, including his official limousine and the ministerial office, on four occasions between June and October 1996, the prosecutors said.