Keio University student arrested for credit card theft in Shibuya

Karen Niizawa, a 22-year-old senior at Keio University, has been arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud. The incident occurred at a sports facility in Hiroo, Shibuya Ward, where Niizawa was employed as a part-time staff member.

Police believe Niizawa used a staff master key to access locked lockers and steal a customer's credit card. The suspect allegedly used the card to purchase approximately 14,000 yen worth of cosmetics in Shinjuku. While Niizawa has partially denied the charges, investigators suspect additional crimes totaling over 1 million yen in damages.

Niizawa, a returnee who studied in the United States, reportedly had a job offer from a major financial institution scheduled for 2027. Legal experts suggest the arrest will likely lead to the revocation of this job offer and significant long-term consequences, including a criminal record and difficulties with future international travel.