OSAKA (TR) – For many in Japan, standard practice for Christmas dinner means a plate of karaage (fried chicken).
But have you heard about the karaage (fried chicken) con man in Osaka City? If not, dear reader, get ready.
In July and September, Toru Kusui, 59, of no known occupation, allegedly made false claims about chicken products he had not purchased at two karaage stands in Komagawa Shopping Street near his home in Higashisumiyoshi Ward, reports ABC News (Dec. 23).
“I bought fried chicken, but it was not included [in my order],” he falsely said to one proprietor in attempting to defraud them by getting refunds for products he had not purchased.
Police have arrested him on suspicion of attempted fraud. In response to questioning, Kusui admitted to the charges. “I did it to pay for dating sites,” he said. “I have done this several hundred times.”
The manager of one stand targeted by the suspect viewed him as suspicious from the outset. “I took a quick look at what was in the store and thought, ‘He’s picking the most expensive ones. This guy knows what he is doing,'” the proprietor tells the network. “I was hoping he would be caught as soon as possible.”
Police had been investigating Kusui on a voluntary basis using information from the stores. However, they arrested him after suspicions grew that he had the crime repeatedly.
