Man Arrested for Blackmailing Men on Dating Apps | FRIDAY DIGITAL

Man Arrested for Blackmailing Men on Dating Apps

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The suspect, seen with a downcast demeanor during their transfer to prosecution (the photo has been partially altered).

“A sexual offense with a minor is not okay, right?”

The man said this, then threatened the male victim. He attempted to extort a large amount of money, claiming it was an settlement fee.

On January 20th, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Ikebukuro station arrested 29-year-old unemployed Hitoshi Shimada (residence unknown) on suspicion of attempted extortion. He is accused of trying to steal cash from a man in his 20s, Mr. A, whom he met through a dating app.

“Shimada posed as a high school girl and communicated with Mr. A on the matching app. Believing he was chatting with a high school girl, Mr. A arranged to meet at a location near JR Ikebukuro Station on the morning of January 20th. When Shinada arrived at the meeting spot, he allegedly threatened him, saying, ‘The high school girl you were meeting is my younger sister. A sexual offense with a minor is not okay, right? How much will you offer to settle? The typical settlement fee is between 1.8 million to 3 million yen.'” (National newspaper social department reporter)

I didn’t talk about money

Shimada allegedly demanded 500,000 yen. He is said to have received approximately 32,000 yen in cash and the victim’s My Number card from the man at the scene.

“The victim returned home to arrange the remaining money. During this time, he consulted with family members and reported the incident to the police. The police then apprehended Shimada when he showed up at the agreed-upon location to collect the remaining money. He was arrested on the spot,” explained the reporter.

Our photographer captured Shimada’s transfer to the police on January 22. He appeared disheveled, hiding his face with his long hair, and got into the transport vehicle without lifting his head.

During police questioning, Shimada allegedly denied the crime, saying:

“I did not talk about money. I returned the money on the spot. (The reason I pretended to be a high school girl) was to make him realize the seriousness of the crime.”

In Tokyo, similar blackmail incidents involving fake women on matching apps have been increasing. The police are continuing their investigation into Shimada’s other possible crimes.

  • PHOTO Shinji Hasuo

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