Japanese Yakuza member arrested in Pattaya for money fraud

[webfact]

Japanese Yakuza member arrested in Pattaya for money fraud, Thai police claims

BANGKOK, 2 March 2015 (NNT) – Deputy National Police Chief Lt Gen Chakthip Chaijinda proclaimed the arrest of a 32-year-old member of Japan's second largest Yakuza gang Sumiyoshi-kai, in Thailand’s Pattaya, Chonburi Province.

His name is Mr. Shinichi Nagata. Around eighty-five million yen (or twenty million baht) had been cheated by him before he escaped to Pattaya. The suspect was arrested at Soi Buakhao, in central Pattaya after Tokyo’s Metropolitan Police requested the Thai Police to locate and send him back to Japan.

According to Japanese Police, Sumiyoshi-kai is Japan's second largest Yakuza gang which has over six thousand members nationwide. The gang has adjusted its operations from using violent methods to swindling people out of their assets. So far, the Japanese police have arrested twenty members of the gang for swindling.

An investigation into his travel record to Thailand showed that he had been to Thailand for more than ten times as a tourist. Thai police will prosecute him for staying in the country without proper visa and will repatriate him to Japan.


-- NNT 2015-03-02

[TVGerry]

Prosecute him for staying without a visa but not money fraud?

Does that mean he could have continue cheating people if he had a proper work visa?

Edited March 2, 2015 by petercool
edited profanity

[webfact]

Suspected Yakuza Member Arrested in Pattaya for Fraud
By Khaosod English


Shinichi Nagata, 32, at a police press conference on 2 March 2015.

BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of 28 February, Thai police said at a press conference today.

Japan's Metropolitan Police contacted Thai police on 5 February and asked them to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud, said Pol.Gen. Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police.

According to Pol.Gen. Jakthip, Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between April - July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

Pol.Gen. Jakthip said 21 of Shinichi's accomplices were arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Panurat Lakboon, a commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the suspect will also be charged with overstaying his Thai visa.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1425291389


-- Khaosod English 2015-03-02

[Sviss Geez]

Prosecute him for staying without a visa but not money fraud?

Does that mean he could have continue cheating people if he had a proper work visa?

You think the Thai police should prosecute him for crimes committed in Japan?

[webfact]

Japan’s top mafia suspect arrested in Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- A top member of Japan’s second largest “Yakuza” crime syndicate, who allegedly deceived more than 22 million baht from Japanese elderly people in Japan, has been arrested in Pattaya after having escaped into Thailand.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of February 28 after the Japanese embassy have contacted Thai police on February 5 to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud.

Thai police said Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between 7 April – 31 July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

He said 21 of Shinichi’s accomplices had been arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol Gen Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police said Shinichi entered Thailand on 15 November 2014 and has been hiding in Central Pattaya, Chonburi.

Meropolitan 191 police found him with expired visa.

He was allowed to stay in Thailand until 13 January 2015, the officer said.

He said Japanese police described Shinichi as a high-ranking member of an organized crime network in Japan, called the Sumiyoshi Kai.

He said Shinichi, who refused to give testimony to police, will be handed over to Japanese authorities in 10 days.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/japans-top-mafia-suspect-arrested-pattaya


-- Thai PBS 2015-03-03

[mamypoko]

Japan’s top mafia suspect arrested in Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- A top member of Japan’s second largest “Yakuza” crime syndicate, who allegedly deceived more than 22 million baht from Japanese elderly people in Japan, has been arrested in Pattaya after having escaped into Thailand.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of February 28 after the Japanese embassy have contacted Thai police on February 5 to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud.

Thai police said Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between 7 April – 31 July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

He said 21 of Shinichi’s accomplices had been arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol Gen Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police said Shinichi entered Thailand on 15 November 2014 and has been hiding in Central Pattaya, Chonburi.

Meropolitan 191 police found him with expired visa.

He was allowed to stay in Thailand until 13 January 2015, the officer said.

He said Japanese police described Shinichi as a high-ranking member of an organized crime network in Japan, called the Sumiyoshi Kai.

He said Shinichi, who refused to give testimony to police, will be handed over to Japanese authorities in 10 days.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/japans-top-mafia-suspect-arrested-pattaya

-- Thai PBS 2015-03-03

Times sure have changed. I remember being able to pick out Japanese mobsters on the street (Tokyo) with their 'punch perm' and thick necks. This gent looks like an anime character.

[chrisinth]

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Suspected Yakuza Member Arrested in Pattaya for Fraud
By Khaosod English


Shinichi Nagata, 32, at a police press conference on 2 March 2015.

BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of 28 February, Thai police said at a press conference today.

Japan's Metropolitan Police contacted Thai police on 5 February and asked them to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud, said Pol.Gen. Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police.

According to Pol.Gen. Jakthip, Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between April - July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

Pol.Gen. Jakthip said 21 of Shinichi's accomplices were arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Panurat Lakboon, a commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the suspect will also be charged with overstaying his Thai visa.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1425291389


-- Khaosod English 2015-03-02

If the above article is true, and Mr. Shinichi brought 22 million baht into Thailand (instead of it going into the organization's coffers) then the police could be the least of his worries.

Either that or the money has been brought in for another reason, which should flash warnings for the authorities.

I still find it strange that these high fliers are so often found in the exclusive Soi Buakhao area of Pattaya.......................

[chooka]

12 high ranking members of the BIB to arrest him.

[USNret]

Is he out yet?

[shaurene]

Prosecute him for staying without a visa but not money fraud?

Does that mean he could have continue cheating people if he had a proper work visa?

There you go again TV Jerry, if you read it like I have they arrested him from a request from the Japan Police it does not say he was arrested for a crime he committed in Thailand. After they arrested him they then checked his passport and found the visa problem.

[Jim walker]

Hi end tourist he will soon be able to escape by hi speed train if he had only waited a few years

[TheGhostWithin]

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If the above article is true, and Mr. Shinichi brought 22 million baht into Thailand (instead of it going into the organization's coffers) then the police could be the least of his worries.

Either that or the money has been brought in for another reason, which should flash warnings for the authorities.

I still find it strange that these high fliers are so often found in the exclusive Soi Buakhao area of Pattaya.......................

I would hazard to guess that these kind of people in Chonburi are fairly common. I saw a motorcycle "club" member with full escort last time I was in the lovely city of Pattaya, wearing full gang patches of which local Pattaya Thais would not have a clue what it meant.

On the Japanese front, do not know if it still happens but I used to see the guys in the bars throwing hundreds of 1000 notes at a time, like it was monopoly money.. It made life easy for me, I could sit there and quietly drink my beer or soda without being bothered and hustled with the meanest cracking on the greenest.

The Red Fellas have been in Pattaya for a long time as we know,linked with various clubs and "organisations" to preserve "order" in the city of sin. Other "bandits" of every shape, form and ethnicity have also washed up in the city from time to time and a few make it into the newspapers. The problem begins in at the border and has for some time with poor screening of inbound tourists. It would be more red tape but I do believe inbound tourists should need to obtain police clearance from their local country before entering Thailand. It only takes a few days and most of us would have nothing at all to worry about - it is only a small part of the tourist visa process in other countries. It might make a difference in Thailand.

Criminals thrive with other criminals and in the sea of tourists where we all look the same to Thai Police, one can easily camouflage in Pattaya. The problem needs to be stopped before these people hit the streets of Thailand.

[DLock]

It's a sad day for the Yakuza when every one of the Thai police that arrested him are wider than him.

...sure that's not Chow from Hangover movies?

[klauskunkel]

puny guy. Even Yakuza ain't what it used to be...

[louse1953]

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Suspected Yakuza Member Arrested in Pattaya for Fraud

By Khaosod English

Shinichi Nagata, 32, at a police press conference on 2 March 2015.

BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of 28 February, Thai police said at a press conference today.

Japan's Metropolitan Police contacted Thai police on 5 February and asked them to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud, said Pol.Gen. Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police.

According to Pol.Gen. Jakthip, Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between April - July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

Pol.Gen. Jakthip said 21 of Shinichi's accomplices were arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Panurat Lakboon, a commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the suspect will also be charged with overstaying his Thai visa.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1425291389

-- Khaosod English 2015-03-02

If the above article is true, and Mr. Shinichi brought 22 million baht into Thailand (instead of it going into the organization's coffers) then the police could be the least of his worries.

Either that or the money has been brought in for another reason, which should flash warnings for the authorities.

I still find it strange that these high fliers are so often found in the exclusive Soi Buakhao area of Pattaya.......................

Doesn't say bought in to Thailand.He was on the run to avoid arrest.

[Lupatria]

12 high ranking members of the BIB to arrest him.

That's just to prove they're not just hanging out in aircon offices filling out forms and scratching their yet unborn offspring.

[louse1953]

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If the above article is true, and Mr. Shinichi brought 22 million baht into Thailand (instead of it going into the organization's coffers) then the police could be the least of his worries.

Either that or the money has been brought in for another reason, which should flash warnings for the authorities.

I still find it strange that these high fliers are so often found in the exclusive Soi Buakhao area of Pattaya.......................

I would hazard to guess that these kind of people in Chonburi are fairly common. I saw a motorcycle "club" member with full escort last time I was in the lovely city of Pattaya, wearing full gang patches of which local Pattaya Thais would not have a clue what it meant.

On the Japanese front, do not know if it still happens but I used to see the guys in the bars throwing hundreds of 1000 notes at a time, like it was monopoly money.. It made life easy for me, I could sit there and quietly drink my beer or soda without being bothered and hustled with the meanest cracking on the greenest.

The Red Fellas have been in Pattaya for a long time as we know,linked with various clubs and "organisations" to preserve "order" in the city of sin. Other "bandits" of every shape, form and ethnicity have also washed up in the city from time to time and a few make it into the newspapers. The problem begins in at the border and has for some time with poor screening of inbound tourists. It would be more red tape but I do believe inbound tourists should need to obtain police clearance from their local country before entering Thailand. It only takes a few days and most of us would have nothing at all to worry about - it is only a small part of the tourist visa process in other countries. It might make a difference in Thailand.

Criminals thrive with other criminals and in the sea of tourists where we all look the same to Thai Police, one can easily camouflage in Pattaya. The problem needs to be stopped before these people hit the streets of Thailand.

While i admire your well meaning,your suggestion would definitly be the last nail in the coffin of tourism.A police report in Oz can take up to 45 days and costs money.No way an ozzy is gunna cop that.By the way,what does a criminal look like,let me guess,must have tatts,wear a patch,maybe have a finger missing.The biggest crims wear a suit and tie.

[louse1953]

puny guy. Even Yakuza ain't what it used to be...

Don't need muscle when you have brains.

[topt]

12 high ranking members of the BIB to arrest him.

That's just to prove they're not just hanging out in aircon offices filling out forms and scratching their yet unborn offspring.

So the next one knows who to go to when he arrives to make sure he does not get arrested.............

[soalbundy]

He brought in 22 million Baht, so he will be out on bail soon minus 22 million and will never be seen again.

[Yann55]

Of all the mafias in the world, the Yakuza are among the creepiest because they combine all the usual criminal methods and machist violence with a bizarre cult based on old Samurai values.

Not so different, mind you, from the Italian Camorra or the American Mob who earnestly saw (see?) themselves as good Christians.

[lvr181]

12 high ranking members of the BIB to arrest him.

They love "selfies" - same same as Thai girls!

[Monkeyrobot]

He looks very scary 555

[rasmus5150]

Hi end tourist he will soon be able to escape by hi speed train if he had only waited a few years

He is from Japan, not CHINA.

[petercool]

A potentially libellous post was removed

[smotherb]

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Suspected Yakuza Member Arrested in Pattaya for Fraud

By Khaosod English

Shinichi Nagata, 32, at a police press conference on 2 March 2015.

BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of 28 February, Thai police said at a press conference today.

Japan's Metropolitan Police contacted Thai police on 5 February and asked them to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud, said Pol.Gen. Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police.

According to Pol.Gen. Jakthip, Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between April - July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

Pol.Gen. Jakthip said 21 of Shinichi's accomplices were arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Panurat Lakboon, a commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the suspect will also be charged with overstaying his Thai visa.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1425291389

-- Khaosod English 2015-03-02

If the above article is true, and Mr. Shinichi brought 22 million baht into Thailand (instead of it going into the organization's coffers) then the police could be the least of his worries.

Either that or the money has been brought in for another reason, which should flash warnings for the authorities.

I still find it strange that these high fliers are so often found in the exclusive Soi Buakhao area of Pattaya.......................

Doesn't say bought in to Thailand.He was on the run to avoid arrest.

You are correct, it does not say he "bought" in to Thailand, but it does say he "allegedly brought" in to Thailand, "Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months."

[timmyp]

Times sure have changed. I remember being able to pick out Japanese mobsters on the street (Tokyo) with their 'punch perm' and thick necks. This gent looks like an anime character.

There have always been loads of Yakuza who didn't dress like that and didn't do their hair like that. Often those with the look you describe are low-level, because they are essentially giving away their Yakuza membership through their dress. That has been the case for 20 years.

Nowadays there are loads of Japanese men in industrial towns who dress and walk in the stereotypical yakuza way just to look tough (they have no affiliation), much like clothing typical of gang members in the U.S. became fashionable for some groups of people.

[balo]

Good job by the RTP. The Yakuza gang is a big problem in Japan .

[chrisinth]

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Suspected Yakuza Member Arrested in Pattaya for Fraud
By Khaosod English


Shinichi Nagata, 32, at a police press conference on 2 March 2015.

BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of 28 February, Thai police said at a press conference today.

Japan's Metropolitan Police contacted Thai police on 5 February and asked them to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud, said Pol.Gen. Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police.

According to Pol.Gen. Jakthip, Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between April - July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

Pol.Gen. Jakthip said 21 of Shinichi's accomplices were arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Panurat Lakboon, a commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the suspect will also be charged with overstaying his Thai visa.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1425291389


-- Khaosod English 2015-03-02

If the above article is true, and Mr. Shinichi brought 22 million baht into Thailand (instead of it going into the organization's coffers) then the police could be the least of his worries.

Either that or the money has been brought in for another reason, which should flash warnings for the authorities.

I still find it strange that these high fliers are so often found in the exclusive Soi Buakhao area of Pattaya.......................

Doesn't say bought in to Thailand.He was on the run to avoid arrest.

"BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months."

IMO, it depends how you read it, but the underlined words above clearly state brought in. If that wasn't the case it would/should have read 'conned' instead.

As for being on the run, he entered Thailand legally as the police were able to determine that he was on overstay, therefore must have had an entry stamp. Having been a frequent visitor (10+ times) he likely had bank accounts already, although it doesn't state this.

I can agree that it is likely bad reporting/wording of the article.

[rapom]

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Suspected Yakuza Member Arrested in Pattaya for Fraud

By Khaosod English

Shinichi Nagata, 32, at a police press conference on 2 March 2015.

BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months.

Shinichi Nagata, 32, was arrested at his residence in central Pattaya on the evening of 28 February, Thai police said at a press conference today.

Japan's Metropolitan Police contacted Thai police on 5 February and asked them to locate and arrest Shinichi on charges of fraud, said Pol.Gen. Jakthip Chaijinda, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Police.

According to Pol.Gen. Jakthip, Shinichi defrauded more than 85 million yen (approximately 22 million baht) from elderly Japanese people between April - July 2014 by fooling them into buying non-existent bonds.

Pol.Gen. Jakthip said 21 of Shinichi's accomplices were arrested by Japanese police in November 2014, the same month that Shinichai fled to Thailand.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Panurat Lakboon, a commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the suspect will also be charged with overstaying his Thai visa.

Full story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1425291389

-- Khaosod English 2015-03-02

If the above article is true, and Mr. Shinichi brought 22 million baht into Thailand (instead of it going into the organization's coffers) then the police could be the least of his worries.

Either that or the money has been brought in for another reason, which should flash warnings for the authorities.

I still find it strange that these high fliers are so often found in the exclusive Soi Buakhao area of Pattaya.......................

Doesn't say bought in to Thailand.He was on the run to avoid arrest.

"BANGKOK — Police say they have arrested a top member of a Japanese crime syndicate who allegedly brought in more than 22 million baht in fraud schemes over the course of several months."

IMO, it depends how you read it, but the underlined words above clearly state brought in. If that wasn't the case it would/should have read 'conned' instead.

As for being on the run, he entered Thailand legally as the police were able to determine that he was on overstay, therefore must have had an entry stamp. Having been a frequent visitor (10+ times) he likely had bank accounts already, although it doesn't state this.

I can agree that it is likely bad reporting/wording of the article.

Maybe more like poor reading comprehension. I read the article and I wasn't confused. But then, I read the whole article not just the bold black first paragraph and skimmed over the rest. Read the first paragraph, then don't skip the fourth paragraph and the fifth. (note the timelines) If you did, you would not be confused and have no need to assume.