SAITAMA (TR) – In recent days, law enforcement divisions in Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture have arrested multiple members of crime ring who are suspected of carrying out four break-ins, thefts and robberies across the region. Over the course of the investigation, Tokyo and Saitama police division have found that the crimes were conducted by members who were assembled via dubious part-time job ads found on social media, reports Nippon News Network (Oct. 5).

In the latest apprehension, police have accused Noriyuki Kawasaki, 29, of robbery and assault. On September 28, Kawasaki is suspected of conspiring with accomplices to use a crowbar to break a window of a house in Nerima Ward. After entering, they injured a man in his 50s and his son, aged in his 20s.

“Give us your money, give us your valuables,” one of the perpetrators said. After stealing a total of 1.2 million yen worth of items, including a luxury wristwatch and necklace, they attempted to flee.

Shunki Endo was apprehended red-handed by nearby residents as he left the house, while Eiji Okazaki, 27, was arrested by police officers on alert in the area. Endo told police that five suspects had arrived at the home by car prior to the crime. Police believe Kawasaki acted as the lookout for the incident.

The cash and wristwatch have not been found. Upon his arrest, Kawasaki said he had answered an ad for “part-time work with same-day payment” the day before the incident. Endo made a similar claim upon his arrest.

Okaz.