CaliToday (05/12/2025): The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has arrested two Chinese nationals suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated "hit-and-run" pickpocketing scheme targeting commuters on the capital's world-famous subway system. The arrests shed light on a concerning trend of transnational crime affecting one of the safest cities in the world.
1. The Suspects and the Arrest
According to a report by the Sankei Shimbun on December 4, police apprehended Yang Xiaokun (39) and Liu Dezhong (40). The pair are accused of operating as a highly coordinated team to steal valuables from passengers on crowded trains.
The investigation reveals a calculated Modus Operandi (M.O.): the suspects would enter Japan on short-term visas, commit thefts, and then immediately flee the country to evade capture. However, their luck ran out this week when police intercepted them upon their return to Japan.
2. The Incident on the Chiyoda Line
The specific case leading to their arrest occurred on June 20 at approximately 10:35 AM.
The Scene: A train running on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, specifically between Yushima and Shin-Ochanomizu stations.
The Crime: Yang and Liu allegedly targeted a woman in her 40s. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the coordination:
The Lifter: Yang is accused of physically extracting the wallet from the victim's bag.
The Lookout: Liu acted as a "blocker" or lookout, shielding Yang from view and scanning for witnesses.
The Loot: The stolen wallet contained approximately 16,000 Yen (approx. $110 USD) in cash.
Both suspects reportedly fled Japan shortly after this incident but were arrested immediately upon re-entry for a subsequent trip.
3. A Shocking Correlation: The "50% Connection"
What makes this case particularly alarming is the statistical anomaly discovered by investigators.
Frequent Flyers: Since 2023, Yang and Liu have entered Japan a total of 16 times.
The Pattern: Tokyo Police reviewed 189 confirmed pickpocketing cases on the subway over the past three years. Startlingly, 91 of those cases occurred during the exact windows when Yang and Liu were present in the country.
This data strongly suggests the pair may be responsible for nearly half of the unsolved subway thefts during their visits, pointing to a "professional" and habitual criminal enterprise.
4. Suspects Deny Allegations
Despite the surveillance footage and the travel patterns, both men have maintained their innocence during interrogation. One of the suspects was quoted by police as stating, "I did not do this," flatly denying the charges. The investigation is ongoing to link them to the other unsolved cases.
Travel Advisory: How to Stay Safe on Tokyo Trains
While Tokyo remains exceptionally safe, this incident serves as a reminder for locals and tourists alike.
Be Aware of "Bumpers": Organized pickpockets often use a "bump" or a sudden stop to distract you while an accomplice steals your wallet.
Backpacks to the Front: It is not only good manners on crowded Tokyo trains but also the safest way to protect your belongings.
Zipper Check: Ensure your bag is fully zipped, and avoid keeping wallets in open coat pockets or back pockets.