TOKYO –
Tokyo police have raided two establishments in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho entertainment district suspected of repeatedly overcharging customers brought in by foreign street touts, with investigators believing the businesses were targeting international tourists visiting Japan.
The Metropolitan Police Department arrested five people in connection with the two establishments, including 62-year-old Ambrose Oshita Ekueruwundo, the manager of a karaoke bar in Kabukicho, and another individual. The two are suspected of allowing female employees to entertain male customers without the required business license on November 11.
Three others, including 35-year-old Arata Kashihara, the manager of another establishment, were arrested on suspicion of obstructing police inspections.
According to investigators, both businesses are believed to have repeatedly charged excessive amounts to customers brought in by foreign touts operating in the entertainment district.
Police said Ekueruwundo has remained silent during questioning, while the other four suspects have admitted to the allegations.
Before the raids, men believed to be foreigners were observed approaching international tourists and other visitors on the streets of Kabukicho, apparently attempting to persuade them to enter nearby establishments.
The crackdown comes as complaints involving fraudulent credit card charges and other suspected scams targeting foreign visitors continue to rise in the area.
According to police, approximately 250 complaints from foreign customers reporting unauthorized credit card transactions and similar problems were received within the jurisdiction of Shinjuku Police Station between January and the end of October 2026.
The Metropolitan Police Department is stepping up enforcement against establishments suspected of exploiting tourists and other visitors through excessive billing and fraudulent payment practices.
Source: TBS
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