Shizuoka prefectural police have arrested three 17-year-old boys from Kanagawa Prefecture on suspicion of robbing an elderly couple of about ¥10 million in their home, which also serves as their construction company headquarters, on December 22. The suspects are believed to be linked to 'tokuryū,' anonymous and fluid criminal groups organized via social media.
On December 22, 2025, three 17-year-old boys from Kanagawa Prefecture allegedly broke into the home of an elderly couple in Nameri, Nagaizumi, Shizuoka Prefecture, which doubles as the headquarters of their construction company. The suspects, acquaintances with no prior connection to the victims, bound the couple—both in their 80s—with adhesive tape over their mouths and wrists while they slept on the second floor. They threatened the pair to hand over their money quickly, injuring the 83-year-old husband slightly and fleeing with about ¥10 million ($63,700) in cash by car.
Shizuoka prefectural police arrested the trio on Sunday, January 4, 2026, on charges of trespassing and robbery resulting in injury. The suspects include a high school student of Philippine nationality, a company worker, and a plasterer. Authorities have not disclosed whether they have admitted or denied the allegations.
Investigators believe additional accomplices were involved, including a getaway driver and individuals who provided information on the victims' assets and orchestrated the robbery. The case is suspected to be linked to 'tokuryū'—anonymous, fluid criminal groups that form and disband via social media, complicating efforts to identify key members.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of youth involvement in organized crime facilitated by online platforms, prompting calls for enhanced monitoring of such networks.
