Eleven high-ranking Japanese officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications may lose their positions over a scandal involving the eldest son of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

According to media reports on Wednesday, there were 37 such meetings when ministerial officials had been treated to lavish banquets by Mr. Suga’s company and the cost of meals stood at about $5,000.

NHK broadcaster said Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Ryota Takeda said he intended to submit a relevant application to the department of civil servants.

Earlier this week, the media reported that 13 officials of the communications ministry had violated the National Public Service Ethics Law by receiving expensive meals from Seigo Suga and other members of Tohokushinsha Film Corporation.

The company offers satellite broadcasting services, to which the ministry grants licenses.

The National Public Service Ethics Law prohibits receiving favors from stakeholders.

Seigo Suga’s company deals with film dubbing and satellite broadcasting, an area controlled by the communications ministry.

The prime minister had already publicly apologised, stressing that he had not discussed work affairs with his son and had no idea about his meetings with ministerial officials.