JSDF officer arrested in bribery probe over defense agency bids

Police have arrested a Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) officer and two employees of a construction company on suspicion of bribery related to competitive bidding at the Shimokita Test Site, which is managed by the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency.

Masahiko Sugawara, a 52-year-old JSDF officer, is suspected of receiving approximately 341,553 yen worth of food and drink entertainment across 15 occasions between November 2023 and July 2024. In exchange, he allegedly leaked confidential information to ensure that Hashimoto Construction Industry, led by former president Daisuke Hashimoto, could win various contracts.

Records indicate that Hashimoto Construction Industry secured at least 10 contracts during this period for projects such as floor repairs and road maintenance. Daisuke Hashimoto and employee Fumihiko Matamura have also been arrested on suspicion of providing the bribes. Authorities are investigating whether other forms of money or goods were exchanged and are looking into potential bid-rigging. The Ministry of Defense expressed regret over the incident and stated it would deal with the matter strictly.