Uzbek nationals suspected of committing crimes in Tokyo arrested (video)

Five Uzbek nationals have been arrested by Tokyo police on suspicion of committing a series of crimes in the Shibuya and Shinjuku districts of the Japanese capital. The information was reported by "Tokyo Reporter" and accompanied by surveillance footage.

According to the publication, the most recent incident occurred on December 30, 2023, at around 5:30 a.m. local time. A 21-year-old suspect, identified as H.D., and his accomplices allegedly attacked a group of three foreigners on a street in the Maruyamacho area of Shibuya district. During the assault, H.D. reportedly kicked a 21-year-old man in the face and, along with the others, stole his wallet and bags, which were valued at approximately 210,000 yen.

H.D. has been arrested on suspicion of robbery resulting in bodily injury. He has reportedly refused to cooperate with investigators, stating he will not speak until his lawyer is present. The remaining four suspects deny the charges.

Authorities have also determined that four of the five suspects, including H.D., were residing in Japan illegally. Prior to the incident, the group allegedly attempted to initiate contact with a female member of the targeted group.

Tokyo police believe the suspects may be involved in other criminal activities, including pickpocketing individuals sleeping on the streets of crowded districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, dating back to at least August of last year.

The group is further suspected of profiting approximately 8 million yen by purchasing iPhones with stolen credit cards and reselling them. Investigators say H.D. acted as the leader of the group, using the Telegram messaging app to coordinate the time and location of the crimes.

The investigation remains ongoing. No additional information has been released at this time.

It is also worth noting that U.D., a 21-year-old Uzbek national residing in New York City, USA, was previously arrested by federal agents in a separate case involving multiple serious sexual offenses.