TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested two men for alleged theft of an elderly man in Machida city, TBS News reports (September 25).
On 18 September, 20-year-old Nozomi Nakauchi and Ryoichi Sakurai, 23, both known occupations, impersonate fuel pipe inspectors when they arrived at the entrance of the 81-year-old woman.
“We would like to ask you for your cooperation in a new coronavirus investigation,” one of them falsely said on the intercom.
After refusing, they entered through a window, then tied up the members, gagged her and stole cash and her bank book. The woman is receiving medical care in a hospital for rib injuries.
After his arrest on suspicion of causing injury, the two suspects admitted the allegations, police said.
“I got orders [from the crime officer] from the telegram communication application,” said Nakauchi, quoted by the police.
The suspects were recruited from an online list for ‘part-time clandestine work’. On the day of the incident, they took taxis to the residence.
A review of the security camera images showed the two suspects before the crime, police said.
Police believe the woman was the victim of a scam called apoden (dating phone). In such cases, the sick are asked about the cash and valuables that can be taken over the phone before an invasion of the house or other crime.
Police are aware of more than 10 incidents in other parts of the Kanto region, in addition to Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures.
In all cases, the perpetrators became inspectors of the power or fuel lines. Police have been investigating lately if a ring is the robbery series.
Posted in Crime, Japan and News
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