In a groundbreaking operation, a Chinese woman, Zhou Ying, was arrested on charges of counterfeiting “My Number Cards” based on information sent from China. Authorities discovered nearly 750 forged cards and the personal data of approximately 3,000 individuals at her residence.
Zhou, a 26-year-old resident of Osaka, is suspected of producing nine counterfeit My Number Cards at her home last month. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, she used facial photos and addresses sent from China to create the cards, which were then sent to designated locations in Japan in exchange for payment.
A search of her computer revealed 3,000 pieces of personal data, including residence card information. Additionally, 750 blank cards equipped with IC chips were found at her residence.
Zhou admitted to the charges, stating, “The demand for My Number requests increased around September.”
This marks the first-ever crackdown by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on a factory producing counterfeit My Number Cards.
