KANAGAWA (TR) – Following a series of incidents of malicious soliciting and rip-offs by establishments in the entertainment district near JR Yokohama Station, police this week raided a hostess club in the area, reports Nippon News Network (Nov. 27).
On the night of November 26, officers raided club Billion, located near the West Exit, on suspicion of violating the Law Regulating Adult Entertainment Businesses.
Police also arrested an unnamed male employee in his 40s on suspicion of soliciting customers by persistently calling out to passersby in August.
In this area, there has been a sharp increase in complaints of touts persistently soliciting. As well, multiple persons visiting establishments in the area have complained about credit card charges being made without their knowledge.
Through last month, reported losses related to rip-off scams known as bottakuri have reached approximately 11 million yen this year.
As the year comes to an end, police are urging people to be on the lookout for unscrupulous establishments.
