Japan prosecutors arrest lawmaker over Chinese casino scandal

Akimoto suspected of accepting money from gambling company 500.com

Tsukasa Akimoto, a lawmaker in Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, attends a lower house meeting Dec. 9. © Kyodo

Nikkei staff writers

December 25, 2019 06:56 JST

Updated on December 25, 2019 18:53 JST

TOKYO -- Tokyo prosecutors arrested Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tsukasa Akimoto Wednesday on suspicion of accepting bribes from Chinese online sports lottery provider 500.com, which was seeking to set up a casino resort in Hokkaido, Nikkei has learned.