MIE (TR) – Police here are investigating a bizarre fraud case in which a man in his 70s was swindled out of nearly 2.9 million yen after being told his “excellent genes” were needed to impregnate a woman, reports Nippon News Network (July 2).
Around April of this year, the resident of the town of Taki met an individual online who made a highly unusual proposition.
“If you get me pregnant, I will pay you a reward of 30 million yen,” the suspect reportedly told the victim, adding, “I want to ask someone with excellent genes to help with the pregnancy.”
According to police, communications were then moved to the messaging app Line. To supposedly ensure confidentiality and prevent any disputes, the suspect introduced the victim to an accomplice posing as a lawyer.
Under the guise of required “deposits” and “processing fees,” the fake lawyer instructed the elderly man to send money. The victim ultimately made nine separate wire transfers to designated bank accounts, losing approximately 2.9 million yen in total.
The scam finally unraveled when the suspects demanded even more cash. Growing suspicious, the man contacted the police for advice.
Investigators believe the incident is the work of a specialized fraud (tokushu sagi) ring and are currently tracking the suspects.
