Justice Served: Japan’s Supreme Court Upholds Sentence for Former Lawmaker in Casino Bribery Scandal
The Supreme Court of Japan has upheld a prison sentence for former lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto, confirming his conviction for receiving bribes linked to a proposed casino project in Hokkaido prefecture. The court’s decision, rendered on December 17, 2024, denies an appeal from Akimoto, who had previously served as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and the lower house of Japan’s parliament.
Background of the Case
In 2021, the Tokyo District Court sentenced Akimoto to four years in prison, along with a fine of nearly JPY 7.6 million (approximately USD 49,544). The Tokyo High Court later affirmed this ruling. His conviction stems from allegations that he accepted bribes amounting to about JPY 7.6 million from two advisors, Masahiko Konno and Katsunori Nakazato, representing the Chinese company 500.com Ltd. This organization was one of several interested in acquiring a license to develop an integrated resort—including a casino—on the island of Hokkaido.
In a parallel legal development, the Tokyo District Court had sentenced Konno and Nakazato to suspended prison terms in October 2020 after they were found guilty of bribing Akimoto.
Broader Implications
In December 2023, U.S. authorities announced that BIT Mining Ltd, which was formerly known as 500.com Ltd, had agreed to pay a criminal penalty of USD 10 million. This settlement arises from its involvement in a corrupt scheme aimed at bribing Japanese government officials in the pursuit of establishing a casino in Japan. The company was initially assessed a total penalty of USD 54 million under the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for its actions between 2017 and 2019.
Hokkaido’s Casino Aspirations
It is noteworthy that in November 2019, prior to the disclosures surrounding the bribery allegations, the governor of Hokkaido decided against proposing the prefecture as a candidate site for casino development to the national government. This decision significantly impacted the trajectory of casino liberalization efforts in Japan, as interest in developing integrated resorts has been seen as a potential driver for tourism and economic growth.
Conclusion
The confirmation of Akimoto’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing scrutiny over corruption involving public officials in Japan, particularly in the context of the burgeoning casino industry. The fallout from the case continues to influence the landscape of integrated resorts in Hokkaido and beyond, amid persistent debates about the role of gambling in Japan’s economic future.
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