Chinese National Re-Arrested in Japan for ATM Fraud Linked to Social Media Romance Scam Investigation
A 26-year-old Chinese national living in Yokohama has been re-arrested in Japan on suspicion of computer fraud and theft in connection with an investigation into a social media romance scam.
According to police, the suspect allegedly conspired with unidentified accomplices and used fraudulently obtained bank cards belonging to other people to withdraw cash from ATMs.
On January 8, he is accused of using another person's cash card at a convenience store ATM in Yokohama to withdraw ¥335,000 (about $2,300). Authorities also allege that on January 12, he used a different stolen cash card at a bank ATM to transfer ¥390,000 (about $2,700) into an account controlled by himself and his associates.
The suspect was initially arrested in Kanagawa Prefecture on May 14 on separate theft charges. Subsequent investigations reportedly revealed his involvement in the ATM fraud case, leading to his re-arrest by Yonezawa Police Station.
The case came to light during an investigation into a so-called "SNS romance scam," in which criminals establish relationships with victims through social media before persuading them to send money. Police are continuing to investigate the identities of possible accomplices and the broader criminal network involved.
Posted Jun 4, 2026, 1:04 AM UTC