Tokyo warns tourists as Shinjuku bar scams surge
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 6 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Tokyo police said they arrested two people in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, on November 11, including a 62-year-old Nigerian man identified as Osta, who allegedly managed an unlicensed bar that targeted foreign tourists. Investigators said customers were allegedly plied with alcohol, then had their credit cards used for unauthorized or forced payments and were billed excessive amounts. The Metropolitan Police Department said Shinjuku police received about 240 reports of similar fraud involving foreign visitors from January to October, roughly triple the level a year earlier. Reported losses reached 390 million yen, more than double the 140 million yen recorded for all of last year, with one victim allegedly charged about 9.6 million yen.
Key Points
- Police arrested two suspects in Kabukicho on November 11, including 62-year-old Nigerian national Osta, described as the manager of an unlicensed bar.
- Investigators said the bar employed hostesses to receive customers before victims were allegedly intoxicated and pressured into credit-card payments for inflated charges.
- Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department said Shinjuku police logged about 240 complaints from foreign tourists between January and October this year.
- The number of reported cases was about three times the level seen in the same period last year, according to police figures cited by both reports.
- Total reported losses reached 390 million yen, while the most serious single case involved about 9.6 million yen charged to one visitor.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong travellers heading to Tokyo, the case is a reminder that nightlife districts can carry significant payment-fraud risks even in heavily visited tourist areas. The sharp rise in complaints and losses suggests visitors should be especially cautious about unsolicited bar invitations, excessive drinking, and handing over payment cards in entertainment districts.