The Hyogo Prefectural Police’s International Investigation Division and Ikuta Police Station filed additional charges of theft against two Vietnamese Nationals, a 31-year-old unemployed man and a 35-year-old man.
The additional charges allege that around December 8–9, 2023, the two men trespassed at a demolition site in Naka Ward, Sakai City, and stole approximately 2,610 kilograms of copper wire cables.
According to the division, the two were previously arrested and indicted in January 2024 for stealing about 980 kilograms of copper cables from the same site. In total, about 3.6 tons of copper were sold to two scrap dealers in Osaka Prefecture, and the police believe the suspects made around 3.34 million yen (approx. $22,000 USD).
The 31-year-old suspect has remained silent, while the other two have admitted to the charges, reportedly saying they used the money for entertainment and to repay debts.
