秋元議員、新たに立件へ　別の被告に偽証依頼容疑―ＩＲ証人買収・東京地検

　カジノを含む統合型リゾート（ＩＲ）汚職をめぐる証人買収事件で、贈賄側被告に偽証を持ち掛けたとして組織犯罪処罰法違反（証人等買収）容疑で逮捕された衆院議員、秋元司容疑者（４８）＝収賄罪で起訴＝が、別の贈賄側被告にも偽証を依頼した疑いがあることが８日、関係者への取材で分かった。
　東京地検特捜部は、秋元容疑者の勾留期限である９日にも、同法違反容疑で新たに立件する方針を固めたもようだ。（2020/09/08-09:35）

Japanese lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto, who was arrested for alleged witness tampering over a bribery scandal linked to a casino resort, is suspected of being involved in another related perjury scheme, informed sources said Tuesday.
   The special investigation team of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office plans to build a case on the fresh allegation against the 48-year-old House of Representatives lawmaker as early as Wednesday, when his current detention period expires, the sources said.
   On Aug. 20, Akimoto was arrested for allegedly conspiring with corporate executives Akihito Awaji, 54, and Fumihiko Sato, 50, to ask Masahiko Konno, 49, a suspected briber in the high-profile bribery case, to make false statements in favor of the lawmaker in court in exchange for cash, in violation of the law against organized crimes.
   The request to commit perjury for money was allegedly made on two occasions, in late June and again in late July. At the time, Akimoto, who has been indicted on suspicion of taking bribes related to a casino project, was out on bail.
   According to the sources, Akimoto's involvement is suspected also in an alleged attempt to talk Katsunori Nakazato, 48, another suspected briber, into giving false testimony for money.