Some had their nails ripped off: Japanese lured to scam bases in South-east Asia

They were controlled by violence there; those repatriated were arrested on return

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A number of Japanese nationals have been arrested after travelling to Southeast Asian countries and joining groups that conducted scams.

They were lured by enticing phrases such as “high income” and “earn tonnes of money” but ended up being forced to carry out phone scams under strict surveillance.

Police investigations revealed that these overseas scam bases are controlled by violence.

“More than 20 Japanese nationals live in a facility at a scam base surrounded by walls. They carry out phone scams at an office,” a man told Aichi prefectural police.

He had returned to Japan in January from a scam base in Poipet in northwestern Cambodia.

His statement led to the repatriation of 29 men and women to Japan in August, who are believed to have carried out phone scams. They were arrested by the prefectural police on suspicion of attempted fraud.

According to the police, the 29 people are said to have lived in a housing complex at the base. It had facilities including a convenience store, clinic, barbershop and nail salon that provided a comfortable living environment.

However, they were not allowed to leave the base without permission, and armed guards were stationed at the gate.