TOKOY (TR) – A 73-year-old Japanese man serving as the Honorary Consul of Cambodia has been flagged by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau for failing to declare at least 300 million yen in income linked to an illicit tax evasion scheme, reports TV Asahi (May 29).
Susumu Tai, who heads the Cambodian Honorary Consulate in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture and serves as a special assistant to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, allegedly utilized his diplomatic status to coach domestic companies on how to hide their corporate income.
According to investigative sources, Tai collected hefty consulting fees from more than a dozen Japanese firms in exchange for his tax evasion advice. However, he completely failed to declare these earnings. Over a four-year period ending last year, his unreported income surpassed 300 million yen.
Sources reveal that Tai routinely attended networking events and executive gatherings to peddle his illicit services, using his high-profile diplomatic ties as a shield to win over clients.
“Because of my position, the state cannot touch me,” Tai reportedly bragged to business executives. He also allegedly assured them, “I have Vienna Convention privileges,” and, “Money circulated through me is safe.”
Tax authorities have since cracked down on the scheme, slapping the companies that received Tai’s “coaching” with back taxes and penalties.
Tai, who recently appeared on stage at the Cambodia Festival in Tokyo, has yet to respond to media requests for comment regarding the allegations.
