The temporary release on bail of Yasuo Takei, former chairman of the major consumer loan company Takefuji Corp. who was arrested Dec. 2 for alleged wiretapping, has been extended to mid-January to allow him time to recover from surgery for a liver ailment, it was learned Monday.
The decision by the Tokyo District Court came after lawyers for the 73-year-old Takei, who was released on bail Tuesday to undergo the surgery, told the court their client's physical condition is not good and he needs time to recuperate, sources close to Takei said. Once the release order expires, he will again be placed in detention.
Takei, who is Takefuji's founder, was charged on Dec. 15 with ordering former Takefuji employees to tap the telephone of a freelance journalist between December 2000 and February 2001 in violation of the Telecommunications Business Law.
He has owned up to the charges, prosecutors said.