Original Source
20-Year-Olds Arrested for Consulting ChatGPT on Stolen Item Value
ChatGPT Consulted for Stolen Chainsaw Valuation
Yuto Nakano (21) and Hiroto Urabe (21) were arrested in Japan for allegedly breaking into a warehouse in Gunma Prefecture this January and stealing chainsaws and other items. According to police, the suspects reportedly uploaded a picture of a stolen chainsaw to ChatGPT and asked, "How much can this be sold for?" to inquire about its secondhand market value. They stated that they sold items that could be monetized and discarded those that could not.
Suspects Admit Guilt Amidst Allegations of External Directives
Both suspects have admitted to the charges during police questioning. Authorities also suspect that the two may have received instructions from a director via a highly secure communication app. The use of ChatGPT to assess the value of stolen goods highlights a contemporary application of technology in criminal activities.
*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-04-01)*
