EXCLUSIVE: Tochigi Robbery-Murder Suspect Ordered to Return Passport

Tokyo, June 3 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a passport surrender order for a man wanted by the police for allegedly orchestrating a high-profile robbery-murder case in Tochigi Prefecture, eastern Japan, people familiar with the matter told Jiji Press. After fleeing Japan, the 48-year-old suspect, Kazuhiko Masuda, is believed to be in Southeast Asia. If he fails to return his passport by June 24, he will be illegally staying in the hideout location. Masuda is suspected of colluding with six others to break into the home of Eiko Tomiyama, 69, for the purpose of robbery and kill her on May 14, according to the Tochigi prefectural police department. The six are suspected on-site supervisors Kaito Takemae, 28, and his 25-year-old wife, Miyu, as well as four 16-year-old high school students that were allegedly perpetrators. The couple and the four boys have been arrested. Using a highly anonymous app, Masuda proposed the robbery to Takemae, an acquaintance, and offered 40 pct of the 100-million-yen proceeds as reward for it, according to people familiar with the investigation. Three days after the crime was committed, Masuda left for China from Narita International Airport near Tokyo. He likely then arrived in a Southeast Asian nation. The Tochigi police placed him on a public wanted list on Friday, and asked the ministry to issue an order for Masuda to return his passport. On Saturday, the police arrested an 18-year-old high school student for allegedly introducing one of the boys that served in the main role among the perpetrators to another perpetrator. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]