THAILAND (TR) – On the evening September 9, a 36-year-old Japanese male fraud suspect expressed irritation after arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok for deportation to Japan on suspicion of defrauding COVID-19 business continuity subsidies four years ago.
Yuki Yagi had spent several years on the run, during which time he stole a police vehicle to evade capture. He was arrested by Japanese authorities on September 10.
As a media swarm surrounded Yagi at the airport before his deportation, journalist Michio Sugi asked, “Do you admit to the fraud charges? Yagi-san, can you turn your head?”
Yagi did not respond to the question, reports Nippon News Network (Sep. 10).
Business continuity subsidies
According to the police, Yagi is suspected of filing a false application to defraud 1 million yen in COVID-19 business continuity subsidies in May 2020. He then fled Japan.
“Why did you run away a year ago?” Sugi continued his questioning, referring to his detainment for immigration violations last year. “Is there something you want to say? Is there anything you want to say to the camera?”
Yagi then cursed and headbutted the camera.
“That’s dangerous,” Sugi said, “so don’t headbutt.”
Daring escape
In September 2023, Yagi was detained at an immigration facility in Bangkok on suspicion of illegal overstaying of his visa. However, while he was detained, he stole a police vehicle and escaped.
After abandoning the police vehicle, Yagi fled to Pattaya, about 140 kilometers from Bangkok, using a “tuk-tuk,” a three-wheeled taxi common in Thailand. He then switched to a taxi.
Local authorities subsequently arrested him at a hotel and sentenced to 11 months in prison for escape and other charges.
Reporter Koichi Hirayama said last year, “The police vehicle that the Japanese man stole still bears the scars from when it hit the gate during the escape.”
Kansai International Airport
Yagi was deported from Thailand on the night of the September 9. He was arrested on the plane during his transfer and arrived in Japan the following morning.
A reporter said from Kansai International Airport, “Suspect Yuki Yagi appears surrounded by investigators from the Osaka Prefectural Police.”
In response to police questioning, he admitted to the allegations, saying, “I remember defrauding the business continuity subsidy.”
A total of 11 million yen in business continuity subsidies had been deposited into an account believed to be managed by Yagi. Police are investigating the possibility that he repeatedly received the subsidies fraudulently.
