TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a Chinese national for allegedly picking the pocket of a female passenger on a moving train, citing his need to pay for living expenses, reports Nippon News Network (Oct. 2).
In August, Jin Lei allegedly targeted the woman while riding a Tokyu Toyoko Line train between Tamagawa and Musashi-Kosugi stations. According to police, Jin reached into the victim’s shoulder bag and snatched a wallet containing approximately 30,000 yen in cash.
Upon his arrest, the suspect admitted to the allegations. “I did it to pay for my food and lodging in Japan,” Jin was quoted as telling investigators.
Jin is currently in Japan on a short-term visitor visa.
Authorities suspect this is not an isolated incident. Police are currently investigating Jin’s potential link to several similar thefts targeting women that have occurred since April of this year.
