Police arrested and indicted a 38-year-old occupational therapist from Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of illegally obtaining smartphones and reselling them for profit. Investigators said the suspect acquired eight devices between July 2024 and January 2025 by having acquaintances sign contracts using discounted promotional campaigns offered by mobile carriers. The smartphones were then sold to buyback shops. The suspect reportedly admitted seeking extra income through side work. Police also referred the manager of a mobile phone sales agency in Koga to prosecutors for allegedly conspiring to improperly transfer 20 smartphones and 11 SIM cards. Authorities believe the manager shared campaign information and repeatedly facilitated fraudulent contracts. Source: TNC, NHK News
Photo: TNC
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