Court Reveals Shocking Reverse Honey Trap Used by Man Accused of Posting Secretly Filmed Sexual Videos

“Our marriage has fallen apart”

A man accused of conspiring with his two wives to post secretly recorded videos of women he had sexual relations with online faced his first trial on June 17 at the Tokyo District Court on charges including violation of the Act on Punishment of Filming Sexual Poses.

“Defendant Yohei Ono (39), his wife Haruka Ono (28), and his common-law partner Rin Ono (24) were living a polygamous lifestyle in an apartment in Kabukicho, Tokyo. They confined a teenage girl—whom they had met through a sugar daddy arrangement—in that apartment. They repeatedly assaulted her and forced her to engage in sexual acts while calling her a dog and making her wear a collar. The incident came to light when the woman seized an opportunity to escape and rushed to the police. Various additional charges have emerged during the investigation.” (Social Affairs Reporter, National Newspaper)

According to the indictment, defendant Yohei conspired with his two wives to secretly film himself having sexual intercourse with a woman he met through sugar dating, then posted the videos on a video-sharing site to generate revenue. Additionally, defendant Haruka, one of his wives, made false accusations against the woman—such as claiming that our marriage broke down due to your infidelity—and demanded 3 million yen in compensation, attempting to defraud her of the money.

While this trial focused on the posting of the secretly recorded videos online, Defendant Yohei is also charged with numerous other crimes, including non-consensual sexual intercourse, violations of the Act on the Regulation and Punishment of Acts Related to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the Protection of Children, fraud, false imprisonment, and attempted fraud.

Defendant Yohei, who committed so many despicable and malicious crimes, appeared in court as a small, fair-skinned man. He wore a black suit, and his hair—grown long enough to cover his ears—was unkempt, tied back at the nape of his neck with a rubber band. His appearance gave the impression of being quite frail. The public gallery was packed that day, and the atmosphere grew restless the moment he entered the courtroom, but he did not seem intimidated; instead, he calmly scanned the gallery. Even after taking his seat, he kept his gaze fixed on the gallery, staring intently as if trying to identify each person’s face. His composure was so unsettling that it felt almost eerie.

When the presiding judge asked for his name during the identity verification, he replied clearly, “Yohei Ono.” However, when asked for his address, he responded in a Kansai accent, “I only vaguely remember it, so I don’t recall the specific street number,” and was unable to provide his address.

Regarding the charges, he admitted, “There is no mistake. I do not dispute the facts of the indictment.” However, after the prosecution read its opening statement, the prosecutor noted, “We expect to file numerous additional indictments,” indicating that Defendant Yohei is likely implicated in a significant number of other crimes.

“Defendant Yohei called himself the ‘Gift-Giving Uncle’ and, in collusion with Defendants Haruka and Rin, carried out reverse honey traps targeting women involved in sugar dating. They had clearly defined roles: Defendant Yohei would engage in sexual acts with the women, after which Defendant Haruka would threaten them and demand money—all part of a premeditated scheme. During a search of his residence, obscene images of Defendant Yohei with over 100 women were also discovered,” said a judicial reporter for a national newspaper.

Prior to this, on June 5, the first trial for Defendants Haruka and Rin was held, and both admitted to the charges against them.

Sexual assault against his wife as well

The two wives who appeared in court wearing gray sweatpants and sweatshirts were completely different in appearance. The defendant Haruka, his wife, wore a mask and glasses and gave off a plain impression. She showed little expression, sat still, and remained quiet in her seat.

On the other hand, the defendant Rin, his common-law wife, had striking, flamboyant features and a voluptuous figure—evident even through her gray sweatsuit. As she entered the courtroom, she walked with small steps and feminine gestures, giving the impression that she was out of place in the courtroom.

The division of roles in this reverse blackmail scheme was revealed in the prosecution’s opening statement.

Defendant Haruka handled contacting the women seeking sugar daddies and making hotel reservations. Defendant Rin was responsible for installing hidden cameras in the hotel rooms and filming the encounters. Anticipating that the women would claim they did not know he was married when demanding compensation later, they filmed Defendant Yohei entering the hotel room with the women while wearing his wedding ring. They also took advantage of a moment when the women were distracted to photograph their IDs and thoroughly investigate their personal information, such as their addresses.

However, according to the police, the two women may have been under the influence of Yohei’s brainwashing.

“On June 10, Yohei was re-arrested on suspicion of assaulting Haruka, rendering her unable to resist, and then sexually assaulting her. According to the police, whenever a woman refused his advances and the attempt failed, he would assault Haruka, blaming her for the mishap; it appears this re-arrest was prompted by a police report filed by Haruka.

If the two women are still in a brainwashed state as before, they may give testimony that protects Defendant Yohei, but it is highly likely that the truth will come out from Defendant Haruka, who has likely been freed from Defendant Yohei’s brainwashing. The reality of his polygamous lifestyle is expected to be revealed in court.” (Social Affairs Reporter, National Newspaper)

For the sake of the victims, a resolution to this case is eagerly awaited; however, regarding Defendant Yohei, the outlook for the next hearing remains uncertain due to the sheer number of additional charges against him.