A Fuji Television Network Inc. reporter who allegedly purchased a luxury car on behalf of a man connected to the underworld is also suspected of lending millions of yen to the mobster, police officials said.

The 32-year-old male employee, who was relieved of his reporter's position after the purchase surfaced late last year, is suspected of loaning about ¥2.3 million ($20,700) in cash to the 59-year-old yakuza, who is connected to the Yamaguchi-gumi crime syndicate.

Of the amount, roughly ¥1.7 million has yet to be repaid, according to police officials.