Tokyo prosecutors on Friday searched the head office of ad giant Dentsu Inc. and elsewhere over alleged bid rigging for the rights to organize test events for the Tokyo Olympics.

The search, also covering Tokyo-based event organizer Cerespo Co., came after another Japanese advertising agency, ADK Holdings Inc., reported to the fair trade watchdog that it had participated in bid rigging.

ADK came forward after the prosecutors recently launched an investigation into the case in addition to a scandal involving the alleged receipt by a former games organizing committee executive of bribes from five companies, including ADK.

By reporting the alleged violation of the antitrust law and offering to cooperate with the Japan Fair Trade Commission, ADK is hoping for leniency for a reduction in fines.

==Kyodo

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