TOKYO - Fukuoka Prefectural Police have arrested six Japanese nationals believed to be members of the Philippines-based crime group ‘JP Dragon’ on suspicion of involvement in special fraud cases targeting people in Japan.
The six arrived at Narita Airport and are being transferred to Fukuoka Prefecture. Television footage showed the detainees with hats pulled low and their heads down as they were escorted by police.
According to investigators, the six allegedly conspired in April 2023 to pose as police officers, telephone an elderly man living in Warabi, Saitama Prefecture, and then visit his home to steal his cash cards. Police say one of the six is believed to have served as a coordinator.
Seven members of ‘JP Dragon,’ including the six, were detained by authorities in the Philippines in May. Of these, six were deported to Japan on September 10th and arrested upon arrival.
Police describe ‘JP Dragon’ as a Philippines-based criminal group formed by former Japanese gang members that repeatedly carries out special-fraud scams—often police-impersonation schemes to steal cash cards—against Japanese residents. Investigators say the group is suspected of links to more than 200 such cases nationwide. They also say the alleged leader, Ryuji Yoshioka, 55, was detained by Philippine authorities in June.
Source: KBC
