FUKUOKA -- Multiple cars linked to organized crime syndicates were captured by security cameras here in Fukuoka Prefecture near convenience stores where mass thefts from ATMs were carried out using fake credit cards, investigative sources told the Mainichi Shimbun.

A total of at least 1.8 billion yen was illegally withdrawn from convenience store ATMs in 17 prefectures across the country on May 15.

Fukuoka Prefectural Police believe it is highly likely that yakuza were involved in the string of thefts, and are continuing their investigations.

The thefts took place simultaneously at ATMs nationwide in a three-hour span starting at 5 a.m. on May 15, according to investigative sources. Security cameras set up near multiple stores in the prefecture recorded footage of cars linked to members of crime syndicates. The cameras also captured the cars following the vehicles of people who were dispatched to withdraw the money from ATMs.

Prefectural police said on June 20 that it arrested Keita Tateishi, a 25-year-old truck driver from Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, on suspicion of theft and other charges for using fake credit cards 18 times to withdraw 1.7 million yen from convenience store ATMs in the city's Hakata Ward between 6:40 a.m. and 6:55 a.m. on May 15. Tateishi has admitted to the charges, saying that an acquaintance recruited him to do it, according to investigative sources.