Headline: Tokyo Stock Exchange Employee Under Scrutiny for Insider Trading Investigation

According to a statement from the Japan Exchange Group (JPX), the parent company of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, an employee of the Tokyo Stock Exchange is currently under investigation for alleged insider trading. The investigation is being conducted by the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission, with JPX committing to full cooperation.

JPX apologized for any inconvenience and discomfort this situation may cause to listed companies and other stakeholders. The employee is accused of trading stocks using non-public corporate information. Reports indicate the investigation began around September.

The incident was first reported by the Nikkei newspaper, which revealed that the individual is suspected of repeatedly providing insider information regarding bidding offers of listed companies to a relative earlier this year. This relative reportedly profited several hundred thousand yen from trading stocks using the information.

The identity of the employee and the relevant stocks have not been disclosed by JPX or reported in the media. Efforts to obtain comments from a spokesperson of the Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission were unsuccessful, and a JPX representative stated that no further details would be provided beyond official announcements.

Insider trading is a serious offense under Japan's Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine of up to 5 million yen, or both. The current exchange rate is 1 USD to 151.0700 yen.