Police in Tokyo have arrested a 24-year-old unemployed man accused of stealing toys from retail stores and reselling them to fund his gambling activities.
The suspect, identified as Shu Matsuo from Yokohama, was detained on suspicion of stealing 20 toy trains worth approximately 143,000 yen from a toy store located inside a large commercial complex in Tokyo’s Koto Ward on March 9.
According to investigators, Matsuo is believed to have carried out a series of thefts involving more than 1,100 items this year, including toy trains and dolls.
Police estimated the total losses linked to the alleged crimes at over 1.4 million yen.
Authorities further revealed that the suspect allegedly resold the stolen toys to recycling shops on around 40 separate occasions.
During questioning, Matsuo reportedly admitted to the allegations and confessed he needed money to play pachinko, a popular Japanese arcade-style gambling game.
Investigators said the suspect also told police he deliberately targeted toy shops during morning hours when customer traffic and staff presence were lower, making it easier to commit the thefts unnoticed.
Police are continuing investigations into the full extent of the alleged stealing operation.
