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Investigation Launched into Alleged Fraudulent Withdrawal from Bar Association Account

A lawyer belonging to the Kumamoto Bar Association is under investigation for allegedly withdrawing approximately 6.7 million yen from an account used for client payments. The prefectural Bar Association has initiated an investigation by its disciplinary committee, which may lead to disciplinary action.

The lawyer in question is Ai Kaneko, a 50-year-old member of the Kumamoto Bar Association. According to the association, Kaneko is suspected of withdrawing a total of approximately 6.7 million yen from two accounts: one containing compensation money received from the opposing party in a lawsuit, and the other containing settlement money entrusted to her by her client.

The situation came to light in fiscal 2023 when the prefectural bar association received a consultation stating that the settlement money had not been transferred. The rules of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations and the prefectural bar association require that deposit accounts be reported to the bar association to which one belongs, but Kaneko had not reported either. Kaneko claims to have returned the full amount of damages to her client and denies any wrongdoing.

The prefectural bar association has faced a series of scandals, including the conviction of a former lawyer for embezzling over 200 million yen in February this year and the discovery of approximately 90 million yen embezzled from the account of the defense team in a hepatitis B lawsuit.

Statement from the Bar Association

“This has been going on for quite some time now, and I can only say that it is truly regrettable.”

Temporary Consultation Desk

The prefectural bar association will set up a temporary consultation desk to provide information and uncover the damage.

• Telephone number: 096-312-3451
• Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm (weekdays only)
• Dates: September 18 (Wednesday) to September 27 (Friday)