Katsutoshi Matsuo, a former Foreign Ministry logistics chief, was indicted Friday on charges of defrauding the government of 42 million yen in Cabinet Secretariat discretionary funds for diplomatic activities, prosecutors said.
The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office took the action against Matsuo, 55, who was arrested March 10. He has admitted to the charge, investigators said.
According to the indictment, Matsuo pocketed the 42 million yen by padding expenses such as hotel bills for three trips abroad involving two prime ministers -- Ryutaro Hashimoto and Keizo Obuchi -- from 1997 through 1999.