SHIZUOKA (TR) – Police here have arrested a 22-year-old host club employee for allegedly confiscating a female customer’s smartphone to prevent her from leaving the premises, reports TV Asahi (July 10).
Eita Oki is accused of trapping the woman, who is in her 20s, inside his club in late May in order to force her into paying an exorbitant fee.
According to investigators, Oki first approached the victim through social media, inviting her out for “dinner as friends.” He claimed he had already made a reservation, but upon arrival, the woman realized she had been lured to his host club.
When the woman expressed concern about her lack of cash, Oki allegedly assured her the night would cost a flat rate of just 10,000 yen. However, once she was seated, the pressure began. “My rank will drop. I need you to order more,” he reportedly told her.
To ensure she couldn’t escape the mounting tab, Oki allegedly snatched her smartphone. The woman was ultimately slapped with a bill exceeding 100,000 yen. The extortion-like tactics came to light after the victim consulted with police, leading to Oki’s arrest.
Prohibited acts under the law
Under a revision to the Adult Entertainment Business Law enacted last June, it is strictly prohibited for club staff to confiscate a customer’s personal belongings to trap them inside the venue, or to force them into a situation where they cannot refuse to order alcohol.
The arrest of Oki is the first in the prefecture under the revised law.
Authorities note that the act of stripping a customer of their ability to refuse is illegal under the new statutes, regardless of whether the victim ultimately pays the bill or not.
