Monday, September 24, 2012

Ex-president of Japan's Olympus pleads guilty in cover-up of investment losses - @AP

TOKYO—Former Olympus Corp. President Tsuyoshi Kikukawa admitted guilt Tuesday in a cover-up of massive investment losses at the Japanese camera and medical-equipment maker.

The scandal emerged last year when Michael Woodford, the company's British chief executive, raised questions about payments for financial advice and dubious acquisitions. Mr. Woodford was later fired.

"There is no mistake. The entire responsibility lies with me," Mr. Kikukawa told the opening session of the high-profile court trial.

Reading from a piece of paper, he apologized for "all the troubles caused to investors, customers, employees and the general public."

Tokyo prosecutors have charged the company as ...