Suspect in providing data to criminal group arrested in Tokyo — The Japan Times

Tokyo police in Japan have arrested 53-year-old Shinobu Ishihara, who is suspected of passing information about real estate clients to a tokuryu criminal group and of involvement in an attempted robbery. Ishihara, a resident of Minato Ward, describes himself as a real estate agent. He is suspected of attempted robbery and unlawful entry into a residence.

As The Japan Times reports, the Metropolitan Police Department did not disclose whether the detainee admits to the allegations. Law enforcement officers believe this is the first arrest in Tokyo of a possible information source in cases involving robberies and other crimes linked to tokuryu groups — loosely organized anonymous criminal groups.

Attempted robbery in Koto Ward

According to investigators, Ishihara acted in collusion with 50-year-old Yasuhiro Nakashima, who is considered the alleged organizer of the robbery. Nakashima has already been charged with attempted robbery and other crimes.

On March 20, the perpetrators broke a window and entered a building in Koto Ward that houses an architectural office and a residence. At about 7:40 p.m., they attempted to steal money and valuables from a married couple in their 50s and 60s. The attempted robbery failed due to the couple's resistance.

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Property and family data

Investigators claim that Ishihara repeatedly visited the couple's home after they consulted him about real estate transactions. Around November 2024, he allegedly provided Nakashima with information about the clients' assets and family composition.

Police believe that Nakashima initially planned the robbery for the following month but abandoned the plan because of a lack of perpetrators. In March, according to investigators, he again contacted Ishihara regarding this house. The investigation suspects that Ishihara agreed to help: he was to receive 50% of the stolen money and valuables, while Nakashima and the recruiter of the perpetrators were to split the remainder equally.

Seven people, including Nakashima, the alleged recruiter, and the perpetrators, have already been arrested and charged in the attempted robbery case. Police identified Ishihara's possible involvement after testimony from those detained and an analysis of their smartphones.