A reporter for Fuji TV is suspected of helping an underworld syndicate member purchase a car by allowing the use of his name, according to sources.
The police have opened an investigation into the matter, the sources said Monday.
The reporter, who is in his 30s, covered news involving crime syndicates several years ago, they said.
Fuji TV said the reporter bought a car in his name for one of his interviewees but added that "we have not been able to confirm whether the interviewee currently belongs to any anti-social forces."
The mobster asked to use the reporter's name to buy the car after treating him more than 20 times at expensive restaurants in Tokyo since spring 2014, according to Fuji TV.
The reporter admitted to using his name to buy the car but claimed he did not know the interviewee was a gangster, Fuji TV said.
The broadcaster said the reporter could be convicted of falsely registering a vehicle and it suspended him and reported the matter to police.
"We deeply apologize for the improper action of our employee," Fuji TV said, adding it will continue to look into the details of the matter.