Police in Nara Arrest 36-Year-Old Man for Alleged Minor Kidnapping via Social Media
A 36-year-old man in Nara, Japan, is facing charges of kidnapping a minor after allegedly luring a 17-year-old high school student to his residence using social media, stomp.sg reported. Authorities arrested the suspect on October 3 at approximately 4:15 p.m. following a missing person report filed by the teenager’s mother the previous day.
Online Contact and Financial Transfers Leading to the Arrest
The suspect and the teenager connected through social media between September and October. During their digital correspondence, the man sent messages stating, “Come here. I’ll cover the costs,” and transferred ¥20,000 into her bank account to facilitate her travel. The high school student arrived at his home around 6 p.m. on October 1 and remained there overnight before police located her during their search.
Kidnapping a minor carries prison sentences
The victim was found unharmed when local authorities searched the suspect’s home. Under the Japan Penal Code, an adult convicted of kidnapping a minor can face imprisonment with work ranging from three months to seven years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the teenager reported missing?
The girl’s mother reported her missing on October 2, which triggered the local police search that led officers to the suspect’s home by the following afternoon.
How much money was transferred to the victim?
The suspect transferred ¥20,000 into the 17-year-old girl’s bank account to help cover her travel costs after inviting her to his home via social media messages.
What are the legal penalties for the suspect if convicted?
Under the Japan Penal Code, a conviction for kidnapping a minor carries a prison sentence with work ranging from three months to seven years.
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