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Instagram star suspected of defrauding 100 persons in pyramid scheme

TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 23-year-old man who is suspected of carrying out a pyramid scheme that swindled more than 100 persons, reports Fuji News Network (Jan. 31).

On Friday, Hiroaki Tonoya, with blonde hair and wearing a mask, was photographed at Shibuya Police Station. He was arrested on suspicion of defrauding 1 million yen in cash by making false investment offers to a woman he met on social media.

Police believe that he used the same method to defraud at least 115 people of over 120 million yen.

His method was to show off his flashy lifestyle on Instagram, where he posted about luxury imported cars, luxury watches and lavish meals.

On the account, he posted comments such as, “I used to be a salaryman, but now I’m staying in a hotel in Dubai that costs 400,000 yen a night.” He also wrote, “I’m changing my lifestyle from that of a corporate slave.”

Hiroaki Tonoya (X)

Furthermore, there were also posts where his associates displayed cash. A message would read, “Anyone want this? Priority will be given to those who meet the conditions!” Another would say, “The first 15 people to arrive will receive money.”

It is believed that the suspect and his associates were trying to solicit people who were interested in these posts and contacted them into making false investments.

When victims contacted law enforcement, the suspect and his associates say, “I’ll pay you if you introduce me to someone else.” This way, they would aid in the fraud and prevent them from seeking help from the police.

Police are continuing the investigation, including locating the suspect’s accomplices.