A Vietnamese National, Hoan Van Nam (28), has been arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer and a prosecutor to fraudulently obtain 16.9 million yen in cash.
According to the police, in August last year, the suspect conspired with accomplices and made a phone call to the home of a woman in her 70’s in Fukushima City, posing as an officer from the Tokyo Central Police Department’s Organized Crime Division. The caller told the woman, “We have arrested a gang member, and we found a bankbook in your name. This makes you an accomplice. For the investigation, you must withdraw money from your account daily and keep it safe.”
The suspect then instructed the woman to put the cash in a bag and leave it at her doorstep, ultimately defrauding her of 16.9 million yen.
The police have not disclosed whether the suspect admits to the charges, as they believe there may be accomplices involved.
To prevent fraud, the police urge people to be cautious of unexpected phone calls or emails demanding money and to immediately consult or report to the authorities if they suspect a scam.
