TOKYO (TR) — Police have arrested a 57-year-old former security guard on suspicion of stealing 135 million yen from bank ATMs in Chuo Ward late last year, reports the Sankei Shimbun (May 11).
Tsuyoshi Oyama, an ex-employee of an affiliate company of major security firm ALSOK, is accused of siphoning the massive sum over multiple occasions between December 26 and December 30.
According to the Tsukiji Police Station, Oyama was tasked with managing the ATMs at a local bank branch. Investigators believe the suspect took advantage of moments when his fellow guards were absent to stuff the cash into a bag he had brought to the site.
Upon his arrest, Oyama, fully admitted to the allegations.
“Both my parents passed away, I was dissatisfied with my job, and I just stopped caring about my life,” the suspect told investigators.
The scheme came to light in January when the security company consulted with police about the missing funds. Following an extended search, officers finally tracked Oyama down and apprehended him Sunday at a lodging facility in Kyoto Prefecture.
When questioned about the stolen 135 million yen, Oyama revealed he had squandered the cash on horse racing and purchasing luxury brand goods. Police are continuing to investigate the exact flow of the stolen funds.
