In a bid to address the growing number of scams targeting elderly individuals, Japanese police are set to launch a dedicated unit based in Tokyo next spring. This new team, comprised of officers from across the country, aims to tackle the surge in fraudulent activities that exploit vulnerable senior citizens.
The forthcoming unit is expected to play a more extensive role compared to the existing team, which was established in 2005 to combat special fraud cases, including the notorious “ore-ore” scam. This particular scheme involves con artists impersonating victims’ family members and persuading them to urgently transfer money over the phone.
Thus far, the current team’s responsibilities have been primarily limited to initial stages of investigations, such as reviewing ATM security camera footage. However, the newly formed organization will assume a more comprehensive role, including identifying the criminal groups behind these scams.
Rising Fraud Cases Prompt Need for Enhanced Measures
In 2022, Japan experienced a surge in losses amounting to ¥37 billion ($267 million) due to special fraud cases, marking the first increase in eight years. This alarming trend underscores the urgent necessity to strengthen crackdown efforts on such crimes.
Special fraud operations are often carried out systematically by criminal groups, consisting of leaders, callers who make fraudulent phone calls, and drawers who withdraw money from ATMs to collect ill-gotten gains. These groups frequently operate in the Tokyo area while targeting victims scattered across the country.
Expanding the Scope of Investigation
The current scam investigation team, based in the metropolitan area, has significantly improved the efficiency of inquiries. Without this team, local police departments would need to dispatch officers every time a potential special fraud case is detected.
Initially comprising 43 members with one officer dispatched from each of the 43 prefectural police departments nationwide, the team was housed within Tokyo’s Metropolitan Police Department. In recent years, its numbers have increased to 53, with members deployed to additional prefectures neighboring Tokyo, including Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa.
Combating Elderly Fraud Through Enhanced Measures
The establishment of the new unit signifies Japan’s commitment to combating scams targeting the elderly more effectively. By expanding the team’s membership and jurisdiction, law enforcement aims to crack down on the criminal networks orchestrating these schemes.
With a centralized hub in Tokyo, investigators will have greater resources and authority to tackle special fraud cases promptly. This proactive approach is vital in safeguarding vulnerable elderly citizens and curtailing the financial losses resulting from these fraudulent activities.
The launch of a dedicated police unit to combat scams targeting the elderly reflects Japan’s determination to address the rising threat posed by special fraud cases. By strengthening investigative efforts and expanding the team’s jurisdiction, law enforcement hopes to curtail the financial losses suffered by vulnerable senior citizens. With increased focus and resources, the new unit is poised to play a pivotal role in dismantling criminal networks and protecting Japan’s elderly population from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
© TheJapantimes
