23-Year-Old Arrested for Selling Secret Photos of Women | FRIDAY DIGITAL

23-Year-Old Arrested for Selling Secret Photos of Women

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Suspect stares at the press at the courthouse.

“Please send a DM if you’re interested.”

A man posted a message on his social media, inviting people to DM him if they were interested in purchasing videos. He had them send payment through a payment app.

On January 24, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Special Safety Division arrested 23-year-old unemployed Rusei Sato from Saitama City on suspicion of violating the Revenge Porn Prevention Law (provision of personal sexual images). He is accused of selling videos of young women in the nude through social media without their consent.

The incident for which Sato was arrested occurred in August of last year. A woman in her twenties, A, who had been filmed secretly, received a tip online stating, “Your naked video is being sold.” A consulted the police, and the issue was revealed. The video had little to no mosaic censorship, and the woman could be easily identified.

According to the police, Sato saved the secretly filmed videos on his social media. He sought buyers and reportedly made at least four men pay 3,000 yen per video through a payment app in exchange for the videos. During questioning, Sato admitted to the crime, stating, “There is no mistake. The woman in the video was beautiful, so I thought it would sell.”

 

It will remain as a digital tattoo permanently

 

On January 24, a photographer from this magazine captured the moment when Sato was escorted. Upon noticing the camera’s flash, he glared sharply at the reporters.

According to the National Police Agency, the number of revenge porn-related consultations has been increasing since 2016. In 2023, the number reached 1,812, a 4.8% increase from the previous year, marking the highest number ever. Over 80% of the victims are women, with 70% being in their teens or twenties.

Tahei Ogawa, a former detective from the Kanagawa Prefectural Police and a crime journalist, issued a warning:

“Young people have grown up with the internet and are more accustomed to posting images on social media without hesitation. If a romantic partner asks, they might send videos or pictures of themselves naked. However, posting on social media is extremely risky. Images can easily spread online and may remain as a digital tattoo permanently.

Even if a close person asks, you should never send images you don’t want others to see. If they say, ‘I won’t show it to anyone else,’ still refuse. Many people will try to exploit these images, as in this case. Once a problem arises, it’s difficult to take action, such as deleting the images.”

The police are also investigating Sato’s other potential crimes.

He has admitted to the charges in the police investigation (the photo is partially edited).
He sold the videos to at least four men (the photo is partially edited).
The suspect showed an arrogant attitude during the transfer (the photo is partially edited).
He is reported to have demanded 3,000 yen per video (the photo is partially edited).
  • PHOTO. Shinji Hasuo

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