National News Japan Highway vice president denies bid-rigging involvement

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Michio Uchida, vice president of Japan Highway Public Corp., said he did not help rig bids for bridge projects, sources said July 26.

Uchida, 60, was arrested July 25 on suspicion of helping colleagues violate the Antimonopoly Law in a case involving the construction of a bridge in Shizuoka Prefecture in May 2004.

He is also suspected of breach of trust for causing the government-run highway operator to make up to ¥50 million in unnecessary payments.

Uchida called the allegation a "complete fabrication," the sources said.

Japan Highway President Takeshi Kondo visited Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kazuo Kitagawa to offer an apology July 26. Kondo was told the public corporation must take steps to prevent wrongdoing, and that it will be privatized as planned and turned into three private firms Oct. 1.

Dozens of firms and several executives have been indicted in connection with Antimonopoly Law violations in the widening bid-rigging scandal involving bridge builders that were repeatedly warned about engaging in anticompetitive practices. (Kyodo)

逮捕の公団副総裁、関与を否定

日本道路公団発注の橋りょう工事をめぐる談合事件で逮捕された公団副総裁の内田道雄容疑者は、事件への関与を否定した。

Shukan ST: Aug. 5, 2005

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