As various additional crimes came to light… The “Polygamous” Man Who Posted Secretly Filmed Sex Videos: “The ‘Reverse Sting Operation’ Revealed in Court”—A Surprising Tactic

“My marriage had fallen apart”

Conspiring with his two wives, he posted secretly recorded videos of women he had had sexual relations with online. The first hearing for the man, who is charged with violations of the Act on Punishment of Filming Sexual Acts and other offenses, was held on June 17 at the Tokyo District Court.

“Defendant Yohei Ono (39), along with his wife, defendant Haruka Ono (28), and his common-law partner, defendant Rin Ono (24), were living a polygamous lifestyle in an apartment in Kabukicho, Tokyo.He confined a teenage girl—whom he had met through a “sugar daddy” arrangement—in that apartment. He put a collar on her, calling her “a dog,” and repeatedly assaulted her and forced her to engage in sexual acts. The incident came to light when the girl seized an opportunity to escape and rushed to the police. Various additional charges have emerged during the investigation,” said a reporter from the social affairs desk of a 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 video-sharing sites to generate revenue.In addition, defendant Haruka, his wife, made false accusations against this woman—such as claiming that “our marriage broke down due to her infidelity”—and demanded 3 million yen in compensation, attempting to swindle her out 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 has 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 a murmur of commotion arose the moment he entered the courtroom; however, he did not seem intimidated and calmly surveyed 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 identification process, he stated clearly, “My name is Yohei Ono.” However, when asked for his address, he replied in a Kansai accent , “I only have a vague recollection, so I don’t remember the exact 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 appeal,” but the fact that the prosecutor stated, “We expect a number of additional indictments to follow,” after reading the opening statement indicates that Defendant Yohei has committed a significant number of other crimes.

“Defendant Yohei called himself the ‘Gift-Giving Uncle’ and, in collusion with Defendants Haruka and Rin, carried out a ‘reverse honey trap’ targeting women involved in sugar dating.They each had specific 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. A search of his residence also uncovered obscene images of Defendant Yohei with over 100 women,” 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

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

On the other hand, his common-law wife, Rin, had striking, flamboyant features and a voluptuous figure—a fact 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 between the two in this “reverse honey trap” scheme was revealed in the prosecution’s opening statement.

Defendant Haruka handled contacting the sugar baby and booking the hotel. Defendant Rin was responsible for installing the hidden camera in the hotel room and filming the footage.Anticipating that the woman would claim she “did not know he was married” when demanding compensation later, they filmed Defendant Yohei entering the hotel room with the woman while wearing his wedding ring. They also took advantage of a moment when the woman was distracted to photograph her ID and thoroughly investigated her personal information, such as her address.

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

“On June 10, Defendant Yohei was re-arrested on suspicion of assaulting Defendant Haruka, rendering her unable to resist, and then sexually assaulting her.According to the police, whenever the women did not accept his advances and the attempt failed, he would assault Haruka on the grounds that she had mishandled the situation; it appears this latest re-arrest was prompted by Haruka filing a police report.

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,” said a reporter from the social affairs desk of a national newspaper.

While clarification of the situation is eagerly awaited for the sake of the victims, as for defendant Yohei, the outlook for the next hearing remains uncertain due to the sheer number of additional charges against him.