Kawai 'didn't Want Receipts' After Giving Cash
NHK has learned that former Justice Minister Kawai Katsuyuki did not ask for receipts when he gave cash to members of local assemblies in Hiroshima Prefecture in an alleged vote-buying scandal.
Kawai and his wife, Kawai Anri, were arrested on Thursday for a suspected violation of the election law. Prosecutors allege the couple conspired to secure votes to help Kawai Anri win her seat in the Upper House election last July.
Prosecutors raided the couple's home and offices in Hiroshima City on Friday. They suspect the Kawais gave about 26 million yen, or about 240,000 dollars, to 94 people, including members of local assemblies and senior officials of their support groups.
Sources say Kawai Katsuyuki handed out money before and after local elections that were held in April last year. He is said to have described the money as campaign contributions and congratulatory gifts.
The sources say some local assembly members told Kawai that they wanted to give him receipts, but he asked them not to do so. Prosecutors allege Kawai was aware of the illegal nature of the act.
The Kawais are reportedly denying the allegations against them.
