Japanese lawmaker suspected of receiving bribes will still be detained

The Tokyo District Court approved extending the detention of lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto until January 14, Kyodo reported.

Akimoto was arrested on December 25, suspected of profiting from bribes worth 3.7 million yen ($34,000) by a Chinese company, 500.com, in exchange for favors to enter japan's casino business.

The 48-year-old lawmaker was in charge of the government project to install resorts with casinos in Japan in order to promote international tourism.

Other persons, related to 500.com and suspected of having participated in the delivery of the bribes, will also be detained.

Meanwhile, Jiji Press revealed the names of the five Japanese lawmakers who, according to a person linked to the Chinese company, also received cash.

Among them is a former defense minister, Takeshi Iwaya. The remaining four are: Masahisa Miyazaki, Hiroyuki Nakamura, Toshimitsu Funahashi and Mikio Shimoji. (International Press)