Police in Nara, Japan, have arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of kidnapping a minor after he allegedly lured a 17-year-old high school girl to his home via social media, Stomp reported. Yuji Suzuki, a company employee living in Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, was taken into custody by Nara prefectural police at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 3, according to Japan Today.
Social Media Messages and ¥20,000 Bank Transfer
Between September and October of this year, Suzuki communicated with the high school student online while knowing she was a minor. Japan Today reported that the suspect sent messages telling the girl, Come here. I’ll cover the costs.
To entice her further, Suzuki transferred ¥20,000 into her bank account. The teenager arrived at his home around 6 p.m. on Oct. 1 and remained there overnight.
Police rescue missing teenager at suspect residence
The girl’s mother filed a missing person report with authorities on Oct. 2, which triggered a search operation by local police. Officers eventually tracked the teenager to Suzuki’s residence in Ibaraki Prefecture. Authorities confirmed that the girl was found unharmed when officers arrived on the afternoon of Oct. 3.
Penal Code Consequences for the Suspect
Investigators state that Suzuki allowed the girl to stay at his home from the evening of Oct. 1 until his arrest on Saturday afternoon. Under the Japan Penal Code, a conviction for kidnapping a minor can carry a prison sentence with work ranging from three months to seven years. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Yuji Suzuki faces minor kidnapping charges
What specific charges does Yuji Suzuki face?
Nara prefectural police arrested Suzuki on suspicion of kidnapping a minor under the Japan Penal Code.
When was the victim located by authorities?
Police located the 17-year-old high school student at Suzuki’s home on the afternoon of Oct. 3, a day after her mother filed a missing person report.
How did the suspect contact the victim?
Suzuki communicated with the girl via social media during September and October, sending her money and offering to cover her travel expenses.
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