Otaru police arrest woman for theft following brother's death

Police in Otaru, Hokkaido, have arrested 49-year-old Masumi Ishiba on suspicion of theft after she allegedly used her brother's cash card to withdraw 200,000 yen without permission.

The victim, 52-year-old Tetsuya Ishiba, was discovered deceased on October 7, wrapped in what appeared to be a futon inside a storage shed at a residence in Otaru. The unauthorized withdrawal reportedly occurred on October 4 at a local post office.

Masumi Ishiba was located in Saitama Prefecture. She has admitted to the theft, stating, “There is no excuse.” Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if there is a connection between the theft and the circumstances surrounding her brother's death, including the possibility of body abandonment.