Two men admitted Monday to witness tampering on behalf of Japanese lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto, who was indicted for receiving bribes from a Chinese gambling operator lobbying for a casino license in Japan.

During the first hearing of the trial, prosecutors demanded 14-month prison terms for Akihito Awaji, a 54-year-old supporter of the lawmaker, and Fumihiko Sato, a 50-year-old company executive. The two are facing allegations of offering witnesses money to testify falsely in court in connection with a casino graft scandal.

According to the indictment, Awaji and Sato offered 30 million yen ($286,000) between June and July to Masahiko Konno, 49, former adviser to operator 500.com Ltd., in exchange for false court testimony.

The original full article can be found at mainichi.jp

(Photo: Mainichi)