Key Facts
• June 20, 2025: Police searched Gunma Prefectural Assembly’s Liberal Democratic Party office.
• Four individuals, including Gunma assembly member Takafumi Aizawa (49), were arrested.
• Allegations involve bid-rigging for Kiryu City Hall’s new construction project.
• Aizawa, serving his second term, became LDP group leader in May 2025.
• Suspects allegedly influenced bid announcement drafts to reflect their demands.
• Bid decisions were made by a selection committee of city officials.
• Investigators suspect insider cooperation and are working to identify collaborators.
Summary
Authorities in Gunma and Saitama Prefectures are investigating bid-rigging allegations involving the construction of a new city hall in Kiryu. On June 20, 2025, police searched the Liberal Democratic Party office in the Gunma Prefectural Assembly. Four individuals, including assembly member Takafumi Aizawa, were arrested for allegedly manipulating bid announcements to favor their demands. Aizawa, currently serving his second term and leading the LDP group since May, is at the center of the investigation. The bid decisions were made by a committee of city officials, and investigators suspect insider cooperation. Efforts to identify collaborators are ongoing.
