A 21-year-old security inspector at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport has been arrested for allegedly stealing cash from a passenger during a routine baggage inspection. The suspect, Ryu Matsumoto, from Ota Ward, was taken into custody by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and has since admitted to the charges, citing stress and financial hardship.
“I wanted to experience the thrill of stealing cash. The job was tough, and I was thinking about quitting. I thought I could use the money to help cover my living expenses,” Matsumoto reportedly told investigators.
Matsumoto began working in April for a Tokyo-based security company contracted by Japan Airlines to manage security checkpoints at Haneda’s Terminal 1. Authorities now believe he stole approximately ¥1.5 million (about $10,157) from 70 to 80 passengers since August.
The theft that led to his arrest occurred on Saturday around 6:25 p.m., when Matsumoto allegedly stole ¥90,000 from a male passenger’s tray while the man was distracted during a body check. Surveillance footage showed Matsumoto hiding the stolen cash in a toilet paper roll core inside a restroom stall.
The theft was reported immediately when the passenger realized his money was missing. A review of surveillance video quickly led to Matsumoto’s identification and arrest.
Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of the thefts, raising concerns about passenger safety and security integrity at one of the world’s busiest airports.
