Korean National Arrested in Tokyo for Book Theft, Suspected of Stealing Over 10,000 Items

A South Korean national was arrested for stealing 15 books from a bookstore in Tokyo's Nakano Ward. Police suspect he has stolen and sold over 10,000 items, totaling approximately 6 million yen, since 2019.

Fri May 08 2026

South Korean National Arrested for Book Theft

A South Korean national, Yasuharu Furuya (49), has been arrested on suspicion of stealing 15 books from a bookstore in Tokyo's Nakano Ward. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Furuya is suspected of stealing books worth 34,100 yen from a Nakano bookstore last August. Furuya was already under arrest for allegedly stealing books from a bookstore in Sumida Ward.

Suspected of Stealing and Selling Over 10,000 Items

Police believe that since 2019, Furuya has stolen and sold at least 10,000 items, totaling approximately 6 million yen in books. The bookstore consulted the police, reporting that an individual previously banned for repeated shoplifting had returned to the store. An investigation using security camera footage uncovered the current theft, leading to Furuya's involvement. In response to questioning, Furuya reportedly stated, "I don't remember," denying the charges.

*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-05-08)*

Tags: #book theft #South Korean national #Japan police #Tokyo #shoplifting