Prosecutors questioned Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa on May 15 over his fund management body's alleged false reporting of political funds, sources said.

Ichiro Ozawa KYODO PHOTO

Tokyo prosecutors and Ozawa met at a Tokyo hotel for the third round of questioning over the shady funds. Ozawa apparently again denied any involvement in the false reporting, according to the sources.

"Based on my recollection, I straightforwardly explained the facts and processes," Ozawa said in a statement released later the same day, adding the interview lasted from around 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The prosecutors' latest action followed an April 27 decision by an independent judicial panel, which decided that Ozawa merits indictment. The decision opened the way for the Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office to reinvestigate the case.

Kyodo News