TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested four men and women, including an unemployed 23-year-old man, for allegedly stealing premium champagne from a convenience store in Chiyoda Ward, reports TBS News (Apr. 28).
The suspects reportedly met through a fan club for a pop idol. According to investigators, the group members were only acquainted through the fan club and called each other by nicknames, completely unaware of one another’s real identities.
The theft occurred in January. Security camera footage from the store captured the group executing a coordinated distraction theft. While two of the suspects purchased cigarettes and alcohol to keep the store clerk occupied at the register, the others exchanged signals and made off with the luxury champagne and other items valued at approximately 20,000 yen.
During questioning, 23-year-old Akio Iizuka admitted to the allegations, while the remaining three suspects have denied the charges.
Authorities are currently investigating the group for further offenses, as several similar distraction thefts have recently been reported at other convenience stores across the capital.
