Prosecutors Search LDP Lawmaker's Offices and Residence in Slush Fund Scandal
Members of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office searched the offices and residence of LDP lawmaker Manabu Horii on July 18, 2023, in connection with an ongoing investigation into the Abe faction's slush funds.
Prosecutors suspect that Horii used money from the Abe faction's slush funds to pay condolence money to constituents. Horii's former secretaries have reportedly admitted to handing over the money at his order.
The Public Offices Election Law prohibits politicians from giving money or gifts to constituents, except when attending a funeral and handing the money directly to the bereaved.
Horii, a former member of the Abe faction, received a total of 21.9 million yen in cash from the faction, which he did not declare in his political fund reports. In January, he admitted to using the money for "attending the meetings of his supporters" and other expenses.
The investigative squad recognized the existence of condolence money payments during their investigation into the slush funds and suspected their possible connection. This prompted the search of Horii's offices and apartment.
Prosecutors are seeking to indict Horii based on the analysis of confiscated materials and statements from Horii and his former secretaries.