Three Vietnamese Men in Their 20s Arrested Over Theft of 2,420 Meters of Copper Cable Worth ¥23.5 Million From Solar Plant
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.
Shiga Prefectural Police announced by October 7, 2026 that they had arrested three Vietnamese nationals in their 20s on suspicion of theft, including a 24-year-old unemployed man living in Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture. According to the Kyoto Shimbun, the three are accused of conspiring to steal a combined 2,420 meters of copper cable, worth roughly 23.5 million yen, from a solar power plant in Komono Town, Mie Prefecture, between April 24 and 26, 2026.
The stolen cable is believed to have been sold to a scrap metal dealer in Yatomi City, Aichi Prefecture. Separately, a 40-year-old Vietnamese man was referred to prosecutors in connection with the case. The three arrested suspects have either denied the allegations or remained silent, according to reports. Police are continuing to investigate the full scope of the group's activities.
Current status: The three suspects' residency status, whether others were involved, the details of how the sale was processed, and whether the case will be referred for prosecution all remain unclear as of this writing. This article will be updated as further details emerge.
Thefts of copper cable targeting solar power facilities have occurred repeatedly across Japan, and this site has reported on several such cases. Related coverage
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.