KOBE, 6th July 2026- Hyogo prefectural police have arrested nine Japanese nationals suspected of running a transnational fraud operation based in Sierra Leone, marking a rare case of criminal ties between Japan and West Africa.
The suspects, aged 50 to 79, were detained on July 1 following months of investigation by the organized crime control division. Police allege the group conspired with a Sierra Leone–based syndicate to carry out scams that mirror tactics commonly seen in Southeast Asia.
Among those arrested is Hirobumi Kitaoka, 61, a Yokohama resident described by investigators as a leader in the ring. Authorities believe Kitaoka coordinated both overseas callers and domestic recruiters who lured Japanese nationals into joining the scheme.
Investigators say the group posed as prosecutors in June 2025, calling a 59-year-old woman in Sapporo and convincing her that her bank account was linked to fraud. Over seven transactions, she transferred ¥55 million (about $338,000) to accounts controlled by the suspects. Location data confirmed the calls originated from Sierra Leone.
Five of the suspects allegedly worked as overseas callers, while three focused on recruiting new members in Japan. Police suspect Kitaoka oversaw both operations.
The probe began in May 2025 after reports that Japanese nationals were being coerced into fraudulent work abroad. One suspect, Hisao Takahashi, 53, allegedly offered jobs in Africa with promises of earning “at least ¥1 million” by tricking wealthy Japanese citizens over the phone.
Several suspects were initially arrested in May and June on charges of violating the Employment Security Law by promoting harmful occupations. They were later indicted after allegedly recruiting a man in his 70s who traveled to Sierra Leone.
Japanese nationals have previously been arrested in Cambodia and Myanmar for similar scams, but police say it is “highly unusual” for such operations to be based in Africa. Investigators believe the group may have relocated as crackdowns intensified in Southeast Asia.
