Japanese police arrest individuals in separate fraud and illegal business cases

Authorities in Japan have arrested several individuals in two distinct criminal investigations involving fraud and illegal business operations.

In Shinjuku, Tokyo, four individuals, including a 63-year-old Chinese national, were arrested for operating an illegal massage parlor in an apartment. The operation allegedly brought Thai women into the country on tourist visas to work. The business reportedly generated over 20 million yen in revenue within just three months. The primary suspect has denied knowledge of the activities occurring within the premises.

In Shiga Prefecture, police arrested a 43-year-old Taiwanese national, identified as Sai Shuta, on suspicion of attempted fraud. The suspect is believed to have acted as a ‘receiver’ for a special fraud group. The group allegedly impersonated police officers and prosecutors, contacting a 64-year-old nurse to claim her bank account was involved in criminal activity. After the victim had previously lost 10 million yen to a similar scheme, she feigned compliance with a subsequent call to lure the suspect into a trap, leading to his arrest during a cash pickup.