Tokyo prosecutors are set to investigate Lower House member Horii Manabu of the Liberal Democratic Party over allegations that he repeatedly made illegal donations.
Sources with knowledge of the matter say Horii, from the proportional representation bloc in Hokkaido, gave condolence money to several people in his constituency about two years ago.
Horii reportedly asked his secretary or family member to bring condolence money to a wake or funeral that he did not attend.
Under Japan’s public office election law, politicians can only give condolence money in their constituency if they attend the funeral service in person and directly hand over the payment.
Horii is also said to have sent funeral flowers in his constituency.
The illegal donations could total thousands of dollars.
Tokyo prosecutors learned of these acts during their investigation into LDP factions’ political fundraiser revenues.
They have already interviewed Horii’s former secretary and others on a voluntary basis.
Horii allegedly received reports and gave instructions through the Line messaging app on who to give money to and the amounts when he traveled outside Hokkaido.
Horii’s office has declined to comment to NHK.