Japan taking legal steps for road projects

A legal battle is underway in Japan regarding allegations of rigged tendering for road rebuilding projects. The allegations related to a series of road projects carried out to repair routes damaged by the earthquake and ensuing tsunami that occurred in March 2011. A series of road building firms had their offices raided by the Japan Fair Trade Commission and the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, which were looking for evidence of any wrongdoing. Three firms in particular are alleged to have been instrumental in deciding which companies would be selected during the bidding process. As the tenders are supposed to be open, such activity is illegal under Japanese law and any firms found guilty of rigging the bidding process could face heavy penalties. This is not the first instance of investigations being made into road projects on suspicion of tenders having been predetermined however. The Japanese authorities also carried out similar investigations into road tenders made before 2011.