A Japanese man has reportedly been arrested and charged with computer fraud after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a local woman and using the funds to buy bitcoin.
Local media reports that 33-year-old Ryota Fujii committed identity fraud by using the unnamed woman’s personal ID information to purchase ¥600,000 (roughly $6,000 at press time) worth of bitcoin by way of a fraudulently obtained credit card. Those sources say it’s the first case of its kind to take place in Japan.
The suspect is said to have claimed that he stole the funds in order to settle outstanding debts against him.
“I had debts to pay back,” Fujii reportedly said.
Fujii allegedly pretended to be a money lender, setting up a fictitious account through which to funnel the funds. He then used that money to purchase bitcoin, according to local sources. The incident allegedly took place in January, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police told reporters.
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This piece has been updated for clarity.