TOKYO: Japanese House of Representatives lawmaker Masatoshi Akimoto, who has been charged with bribery and fraud, was released from the Tokyo Detention House on Thursday on bail of 20 million yen.

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 yen in bribes from a former president of a solar power firm by around June 2023 after being asked by him 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 yen in pandemic relief benefits.

JIJI Press