MIYAGI (TR) – Miyagi Prefectural Police have arrested a male Chinese national for allegedly smuggling “toy” handguns disguised as smartphones that can fire live ammunition, reports TV Asahi (Dec. 8).
Between May and October 2024, Chinese national Zhi Yifeng, 46, is suspected of conspiring with a Tokyo company executive and others to smuggle 24 double-barreled handguns from China for the purpose of sale.
With the ability to fire live ammunition, the handguns are capable of killing. They were sold online as “toys” for 3,000 yen each between July and October of last year, police said.
Police have not revealed whether Chi has admitted to violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law, citing it as a hindrance to their investigation.
Shaped like a smartphone, the double-barreled handgun has what appears to be a camera lens on its surface. However, part of the case can be pivoted to form into a handle and reveal an interior trigger.
The suspects used air cargo to smuggle the handguns into Japan via international airports.
The three Japanese men from Tokyo and Osaka were referred to prosecutors on November 26 on suspicion of violating the same crime. Chi emerged during subsequent investigations.
Prefectural police are investigating the group as part of an anonymous, mobile crime group (tokuryu).
