Dylan Bettencourt
Japanese authorities have been raiding companies that allegedly paid millions of dollars to an executive of the Tokyo Olympics.
Prosecutors have begun an investigation into a possible corruption scandal linked to last year’s Olympic Games.
Organising committee executive Haruyuki Takahashi was arrested last month on allegations of receiving R6.2 million from a clothing producer for sponsorship of the Games, with the right to produce merchandise for the event.
During questioning by the police, an executive of Aoki Holdings admitted to bribing Takahashi as well as paying former prime minister Yoshiro Mori R250,000.
He did not reveal why he bribed the prime minister but told police the company handed cash to Mori twice while he was the Olympic boss.
The New York Times reported that Mori was forced to resign as head of the Tokyo Olympics following a sexist remark scandal.
Further bribes have since been uncovered, with Japanese reports claiming publishing company Kadokawa paid R8.5 million in “consultation fees” to a friend of Takahashi; the executive is believed to have taken a portion of the amount.
Prosecutors also revealed that a company called Daiko Advertising had paid R3.1 million to the executive. Daiko was responsible for approaching and recruiting possible sponsors for the event.
Prosecutors have yet to decide whether to charge Takahashi for the role he played in the suspected corruption of the delayed Games.
The Olympics were scheduled for 2020 but a forced delay due to Covid-19 saw the event postponed to 2021.
Last June the Tokyo Organising Committee reported the Games cost the country
R171 billion, double the original estimation. However reports indicate the true figure is much higher.
Image source: @TheNewYorkTimes
