Nigerian owner of Kabukicho club arrested for drugging, ripping off customers

TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Saturday announced the arrest of the Nigerian owner of a bar in Shinjuku Ward and three employees for drugging male customers and then stealing money from their bank accounts, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Aug. 31).

Officers took Emanuel John, the 44-year-old manager of Little Cat, which is located in the red-light district of Kabukicho, and three hostesses, including Komi Inagaki (27) and a Filipino national (48), into custody on theft charges.

On April 20, one hostess allegedly spiked a vodka drink served to a 42-year-old male customer with a sleeping powder. His cash card was then stolen from his wallet and taken to a nearby convenience store ATM, where 1.3 million yen was withdrawn.

One hostess has reportedly admitted to the allegations while the other three suspects have denied involvement. “We would make them drink and steal their cards,” said the hostess, according to Sports Nippon (Aug. 31).

Over a three-month period beginning in April, it is estimated that the club utilized similar tactics in 20 cases to steal approximately 10 million yen, police said.

Little Cat has been in operation in the Furin Kaikan building for seven years, during which time it is believed that customers have been robbed of a total of 320 million yen, police said.