Tokyo Games' Bribery Case Suspect Says He Introduced Several Potential Sponsors
The arrested former executive of the organizing committee of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics reportedly said he had introduced several potential sponsors to the Games' organizers. He reportedly denies receiving compensation for it.
Tokyo prosecutors have arrested Takahashi Haruyuki and three others, including former chairman of business wear retailer Aoki Holdings Aoki Hironori, for suspected bribery related to the Tokyo Games sponsorship. Prosecutors suspect that Takahashi had received about 370,000 dollars in bribes from Aoki and the two other suspects in relation to sponsorship and licensing contracts.
The organizing committee had looked for Games' sponsors through advertising company Dentsu, where Takahashi had previously worked. It ultimately signed sponsorship contracts with 68 firms.
Sources say Takahashi explained that he had introduced several potential sponsors in addition to Aoki Holdings to the Games' organizers. He reportedly said that these firms were not included in Dentsu's initial list of possible sponsors. These firms are believed to have later concluded sponsorship contracts with the organizing committee.
The prosecutors appear to be looking into Takahashi's role in the organizing committee and his influence over the choice of the Games' sponsors.
The sources say Takahashi denies the suspicions against him, saying that he did not receive compensation from the companies for introducing them to the organizing committee.