Society

YouTube Vigilantes Busted for Alleged Extortion

TOKYO, Jan 19 (News On Japan) - Two YouTubers known as 'R Detectives (R探偵)', who specialize in recording videos where they apprehend individuals they suspect of illicit activities like voyeurism, were arrested on Tuesday for attempting to extort cash from an alleged voyeur.

Masaaki Sato (34) and Takahito Takai (33), who posted a video on YouTube capturing their attempt to detain the man they accused of voyeurism, now face legal repercussions.

The duo were involved in a scuffle with a man they accused of filming for YouTube near Yokohama Station in August 2023. During the altercation, they allegedly demanded hush money, claiming, "I hurt my wrist," "We could go to the police, but you wouldn't want that, would you?" and "How much will you pay for damages?"

While bringing another man they accused of voyeurism to a police box in Kanagawa on Tuesday, Sato and Takai discovered that arrest warrants had been issued against them and were arrested on the spot.

Social media has been critical of these 'citizen's arrest YouTubers', with comments like, "These guys aren't just citizen's arrest YouTubers, they're extortionists greedy for money," and "It seems more common for YouTubers to get arrested themselves rather than arrest others."

Despite attempting to extort money from the alleged voyeur, when they realized they wouldn’t succeed, Sato and Takai handed him over to the police and uploaded the video on YouTube, presumably for profit.

In response to the investigation, Sato denied the allegations, stating, "I never demanded money from anyone."

The police are investigating several other potential crimes associated with these individuals.

Charges Against 'Citizen's Arrest' YouTuber 'Rengoku Koroaki' Dropped

Citizen's Arrest YouTuber Busted Defrauding Girlfriend of 2.5 Million Yen by Faking Rare Disease

Ghost YouTubers busted for extorting haunted hotel 'guests'

by Brian Dentry

Source: FNN

Japan's Agriculture Ministry Urges Nationwide Action to Combat Avian Flu

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries held an emergency meeting to address the rapid outbreak of avian influenza, urging prefectural governments to strengthen hygiene management measures.

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

Japan's Year-End Jumbo Lottery Kicks Off Nationwide

Sales for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, which offers a combined prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and adjacent prizes, have officially begun.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Man With Snake Tattoo Accused of Theft and Headbutting Store Employee

A man with a distinctive snake-like tattoo on his face has been arrested for shoplifting and assaulting a convenience store employee in Tokyo. The suspect, identified as 49-year-old Masakatsu Echizenya, is accused of stealing items from a store around noon on November 15th and violently attacking the employee who confronted him.