TOKYO, Dec 18 MP from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Kentaro Sonoura announced to his entourage that he intends to resign in connection with the prosecution's investigation into the financial scandal surrounding his political funds, Yomiuri reported.
The day before, it was reported that prosecutors were considering opening a criminal case against Sonoura for concealing 40 million yen (about $300,000) from ticket sales for numerous events in his support and colluding with the secretary in charge of finances for political funds in support of the deputy.
The newspaper's sources in the LDP believe that «the resignation is inevitable.»
Earlier this week, a special branch of the Tokyo District Attorney's Office became interested in the fact that 40 million yen received from ticket sales for numerous events in support of him were not included in the income statement of the politician. This falls under the violations of the law on the regulation of political funds. In addition, the politician's first secretary, who was in charge of accounting for his funds, questioned by prosecutors, admitted that he did not make the necessary records of Sonoura's income with his knowledge and consent. Sonoura on Saturday conveyed through his entourage that he would not deny this. This violation falls under the article on conspiracy.
The accusation can be brought under a simplified procedure, which will allow to avoid an open trial and prison punishment, and be limited to a fine. This, however, does not remove the accused from a criminal record if he is found guilty. Hiding part of the income under the law on political funds threatens the violator with up to 5 years in prison or a fine of up to 1 million yen (about 7 thousand dollars). If Sonoura is sentenced to pay a fine, he will be limited in civil and political rights for five years.
Observers believe that this will be another blow for the government of Fumio Kishida against the backdrop of a fall in his rating of the government, one of the factors of which were three consecutive resignations in the government in October-November, including due to financial dishonesty.