House of Representatives lawmaker Masatoshi Akimoto, who has been charged with bribery and fraud, was released from the Tokyo Detention House on Thursday on a bail of ¥20 million ($126,000).
Akimoto, 48, was arrested on Sept. 7 last year. He denies the charges, a person familiar with the matter said.
He allegedly received about ¥72 million in bribes from a former president of a solar power firm around June 2023 after being asked by the company head several times to ask questions at parliament that are advantageous to the company, according to the indictment and other sources.
The Lower House member has also been charged with fraudulently receiving ¥2 million in pandemic relief benefits.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.