TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested two Brazilian nationals for allegedly breaking into a pawn shop in Chiba Prefecture and making off with nearly 3 million yen in luxury goods.
According to NHK (Oct. 9), police believe the crime is tied to an underground criminal syndicate.
Alisson Mexon Miyashiro, 30, and a 20-year-old man, both Brazilian citizens, are accused of using a crowbar to smash a window and gain entry to the pawn shop in Matsudo City in October of last year.
Once inside, the pair allegedly swiped 32 items, including rings and luxury watches, valued at approximately 2.89 million yen.
Tokuryu syndicate
A joint investigation headquarters, comprising the Metropolitan Police Department and Chiba Prefectural Police, suspects the heist was carried out by a tokuryu syndicate, whose members communicate anonymously via smartphone apps.
Four other suspects, including two Japanese and two Brazilian men, have already been apprehended in connection with the break-in. Investigators believe a “recruiter” used personal acquaintances to quickly assemble the hit team.
Following the heist, a portion of the stolen merchandise was fenced at a secondhand buying shop in Shizuoka Prefecture, according to police.
During questioning, Miyashiro admitted to the charges. However, his 20-year-old accomplice has denied any involvement, telling investigators, “I have absolutely no memory of this.”
Police are continuing their probe into the crime ring to identify the masterminds who orchestrated the robbery.
