Tokyo extortion suspect Kazuya Takeda arrested for implant scam

A 55‑year‑old man, Kazuya Takeda, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on suspicion of running an extortion scheme that involved claiming his dental implant had been broken after colliding with passersby. He allegedly placed his own blood on the victims' belongings and demanded about ¥600,000 from each victim.

Police say the scheme was repeated in roughly 100 incidents across Tokyo, as well as in Osaka and Aichi, with Takeda estimating the total proceeds at about ¥40 million. He has admitted to the allegations, and investigators are probing for additional offenses.