A former Finance Ministry bank inspector pleaded guilty and another partially denied guilt Monday as they were arraigned before the Tokyo District Court for allegedly receiving 12.8 million yen in bribes from major banks.
In a scandal that rocked the nation's most powerful institution to its core, Koichi Miyagawa, 53, and Toshimi Taniuchi, 49, are alleged to have given officials from six banks their inspection schedules and the names of branches to be inspected in exchange for being provided lavish dinners, golf outings and other favors.
The two bureaucrats, in dark suits, no ties and roped at the waist, were led into the courtroom by uniformed guards Monday afternoon.