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Suzuki's top aide and six others held over 'Muneo House' bid-rigging scam

The top aide to scandal-tainted lawmaker Muneo Suzuki and six others were arrested April 30 in connection with suspected bid-rigging in the construction of a government-funded facility on the Russian-held island of Kunashiri off Hokkaido, prosecution sources said.

Akira Miyano, 53, Suzuki's chief public secretary, allegedly conspired to leak the budgeted price to two Hokkaido contractors in Suzuki's home constituency, according to the sources

The contractors subsequently won contracts to build the facility in 1999.

The facility doubles as an inn and evacuation center, and although it is formally known as the House of Friendship, locals call it "Muneo House," reflecting Suzuki's strong influence over its construction.

The building was erected as part of a government-funded aid project, and Miyano's arrest is over suspected obstruction of a government commission engaged in aid projects.

Suzuki, a former LDP member known to have pressured the Foreign Ministry to limit bid participants to construction firms in his own constituency, issued a statement saying he believes the arrested aide had nothing to do with the bidding process.

Meanwhile, a senior prosecution official said a full investigation will be conducted

In a recent interview with Kyodo News, Miyano denied any wrongdoing.

Shukan ST: May 10, 2002

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