TOKYO, June 25 (UPI) -- Up to 1,000 Japanese officials may be punished for allegedly taking cash and merchandise from taxi drivers while riding home late at night at taxpayer cost.
Government sources told Kyodo the National Personnel Authority's ethics panel Wednesday received the results of a survey alleging corrupt practices by officials from 15 ministries and agencies.
The punishment to be meted out was expected to be announced by Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura, the news agency said.
The accused include officials from the ministries of finance, land, internal affairs, defense, health, labor and welfare, and environment, and the financial services agency, Kyodo reported.
The ethics conduct code for national service stresses that even when no interests or conflicts are involved, the employees "are not allowed to receive wining and dining or other forms of favors beyond the norms deemed appropriate in line with social conventions," Kyodo noted.
