Key Facts
• July 31, 2025: Tokyo High Court upheld a $30 million fine for Dentsu Group.
• Former Dentsu executive Koji Henmi sentenced to 2 years in prison, suspended for 4 years.
• Charges: Violation of antitrust laws related to Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics contracts.
• Dentsu argued 99% of $3.1 billion contracts were exempt from bid-rigging claims.
• Court rejected Dentsu’s claim, stating contract structure supported collusion.
• Dentsu immediately appealed the ruling, seeking correction in higher court.
• Contracts included competitive bidding for planning and discretionary agreements for execution.
• Court emphasized collusion between planning and execution contracts.
• Dentsu released a statement reaffirming its stance and intent to appeal.
Summary
The Tokyo High Court upheld a $30 million fine against Dentsu Group and sentenced former executive Koji Henmi to a suspended two-year prison term for bid-rigging related to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Dentsu argued that 99% of the $3.1 billion contracts were exempt from collusion claims, but the court dismissed this, citing structural issues that facilitated collusion. Dentsu has appealed the decision, maintaining its position and seeking correction in the Supreme Court.
