Japanese Man Wanted for 20 Year Burglary Spree in Japan Arrested in Chonburi, Thailand

 

BANGKOK – Pol Maj Gen Itthipol Itthisanronnachai, deputy commissioner of immigration police told a press confrence today that Japanese man, Hiroyuki Goto, 40, has been arrested and will be extradited back to Japan to face charges of stealing luxury-brand products worth 50 million yen from city apartments in a crime spree lasting 20 years.

Pol Maj Gen Itthipol Itthisanronnachai said that that Mr Goto was arrested in Chon Buri province on Aug 27 in response to a request from Japanese police.

Mr Goto was wanted under an arrest warrant issued in Fukuoka prefecture.

Mr Goto had entered Thailand 13 times since Sept 27 last year, Pol Maj Gen Itthipol said. His latest arrival was via the Thai-Lao friendship bridge in Nong Khai province on July 29.

The man was suspected of breaking into city apartments in Japan to steal luxury-brand products for resale. Over a period of 20 years he allegedly stole goods worth about 50 million yen (about 14 million baht).

Under questioning, Mr Goto had confessed to the burglaries in Japan but denied breaking any laws in Thailand, Pol Maj Gen Itthipol said.

Police would look closer into this, because he had visited the country so often. Police expect to extradite Goto to Japan later this month.