YAMANASHI (TR) — A Yamanashi Prefectural Police officer has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly abusing a police database to track down and threaten the boyfriend of a woman he had feelings for, reports Fuji News Network (Apr. 17).
The senior patrol officer, who is in his 30s, is facing charges of attempted coercion, violation of the Stalker Control Law, and violation of the Personal Information Protection Law.
In January, the officer allegedly accessed the internal police information system to illegally obtain the personal details of a man dating a female acquaintance he was romantically interested in. Using the illicitly gained information, the officer tracked down the victim and visited his residence.
The harassment escalated in February when the suspect called the man multiple times. During these calls, he made threats. “Check your car. I think it’s broken.” He also asked, “What do you think will happen if you don’t break up with her by today?”
The case came to light after the male victim filed a damage report with the police.
Upon questioning, the officer admitted to the allegations. “There is no mistake,” he was quoted as saying. “I am very sorry to the victim.”
Following the investigation, the Yamanashi police suspended the officer for six months on Friday. He has since voluntarily resigned from his post.
In a separate incident on the same day, a police superintendent in his 50s from the same force was also referred to prosecutors for violating the Stalker Control Law. The senior officer allegedly secretly filmed a female colleague on multiple occasions during working hours. He was handed a six-month pay reduction and has also voluntarily resigned.
