Two Vietnamese Nationals Arrested Over 63 Burglaries Worth ¥12 Million Across 13 Prefectures Including Hyogo and Osaka
This article organizes publicly available information into a single account. Where it describes an arrest or an ongoing investigation, that reflects only one stage of criminal procedure and does not mean guilt has been established (the presumption of innocence applies). We will update this article as new information becomes available, including the outcome of prosecution, non-prosecution, or trial. This article is not intended to unfairly disparage any individual, group, nationality, ethnicity, or belief, and aims to provide objective, fact-based information.
Hyogo Prefectural Police's Criminal Investigation Division 3 and Sanda Police Station announced by September 17, 2026 that they had arrested two Vietnamese nationals, aged 24 and 26, both unemployed and of no fixed address, on suspicion of trespassing and theft. According to Kobe Shimbun NEXT, police believe the pair were involved in 63 burglaries causing roughly 12 million yen in total losses across 13 prefectures including Hyogo and Osaka between May 2024 and December 2025.
The two are said to have traveled by car, breaking into homes while residents were away and repeatedly stealing in order to fund living expenses. Under questioning, they reportedly stated that "older houses are better — even if we're spotted, it's easier to get away if it's an elderly person." They have admitted to a watch theft in Yabu City for which they have already been indicted. Police believe others were involved and are continuing to investigate.
Current status: Whether additional accomplices were involved, where the stolen goods were disposed of, and whether the remaining cases will be brought to prosecution remain unclear as of this writing. This article will be updated as further details emerge.
Editorial Perspective
No decision on indictment has been made at this stage, so this article reflects information from the investigative phase. An arrest is only one step in criminal procedure and does not establish guilt (the presumption of innocence). According to National Police Agency and Ministry of Justice statistics, the number of Penal Code cases involving foreign nationals visiting Japan has risen for two consecutive years since 2023, but remains below its mid-2000s peak (related article). A single case does not necessarily reflect the broader statistical trend; further developments are worth watching.