Tsukasa Akimoto – Japanese Jurist Convicted In Casino Bribery Case

Japanese lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto is accused of taking bribes from the Chinese gambling company 500.com. Akimoto, the center of the casino bribery scandal, was granted bail on Monday. But Tsukasa Akimoto still cannot resume his parliamentary duties. Akimoto claims that he is innocent of the charges for which he has been convicted and wants to take back his seat in the Japanese Parliament.

Chinese Gambling Company (500.com): –

500.com established a subsidiary in Tokyo in July 2017 to pursue a casino resort project in the ski-resort village of Rusatsu, Hapkido.

Who is Tsukasa Akimoto?

Akimoto was a vocal proponent of Japan’s casino legalization and as a senior deputy minister in the Cabinet Office in 2018, a key policymaker for the initiative. He was arrested on Christmas day 2019 and later convicted for bribery, the first sitting Japanese MP was charged with a crime in ten years.

If he makes bail, Akimoto will be allowed to withdraw his seat in the lower house of Japan, provided he complies with the conditions.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said that the national government will take forward the process of licensing three integrated resorts in the country. Casino developers and local businesses will see the expected cities or provinces before submitting this proposal. The submission period for applicants will begin early next year.