Officials of the Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute misappropriated 1.5 million yen in funds in fiscal 2000 to cover unauthorized food and drink expenses, the state-run body said Friday.
It is believed that the money was used improperly by more than 10 officials working at the institute's headquarters in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, according to the institute.
In addition, there was one occasion on which two officials of what was then the Science and Technology Agency were entertained by institute officials, which may violate a rule that bans civil servants from receiving such favors from bodies over which they have jurisdiction, it said.