The Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry will file a criminal accusation as early as this month against a Chiba Prefecture-based architectural design office and six architectural design firms in connection with the fabrication of data concerning the quake-resistance of 21 buildings, sources said Sunday.

Aneha Architect Design Office and the six architectural design firms are suspected of violating the Building Standard Law. The sources said the ministry is likely to take the action with the Metropolitan Police Department.

Of the 20 apartment buildings and one hotel, 14 have already been built, and the ministry has begun checking whether they can withstand strong earthquakes.