“Dark Part-Time Job” Crime Wave Grips Japan’s Kanto Region

Yami Baito (Dark part-time jobs)
Yami baito - dark part-time jobs - are surging in Japan, with police investigating 14 cases in the Kanto region alone. Learn why criminals are increasingly relying on social media - and why so many of Japan's youth are willing to take these risky gigs.

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There’s been a quick succession of robberies throughout the Kanto metropolitan area. Authorities are arresting suspects who allegedly applied for and participated in “dark part-time jobs” through social media. Japanese media is flooded with reports of robberies and even attempted murders suspected to be linked to this work, known as yami-baito (闇バイト) in Japanese.

In a recent incident, an assailant murdered a 75-year-old man and stole cash from his home in Yokohama, a city just outside Tokyo.

Murder and robbery are on the yami baito menu

A joint investigation headquarters covering Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures is investigating at least 14 robbery cases, suspecting that yami baito played a role in executing these crimes.

It was revealed that the suspect applied for the dark part-time jobs a few days before the incident by searching terms like “white jobs” and “high income” on social media. He stated that he applied after seeing a headline advertising “daily pay of over 150,000 yen.”

Takarada also stated, “I realized it was a dark gig on the way to the scene,” and claimed that after the incident, he thought, ”I should stop doing dark gigs.”

Yami baito: not an isolated case

Yami baito transaction - dark part time work in Japan
Picture: Ushico / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

According to the National Police Agency, the Internet Hotline Center handled 8,161 posts related to yami baito until June. Authorities requested the deletion of 5,389 posts that had not been removed naturally, resulting in 4,336 deletions. As of July, the remaining 1,053 posts still had not been deleted.

Takuhiro Awa, head of the Crime Prevention Planning Division, revealed two key characteristics of arrested perpetrators’ operations. It emphasizes “easy, high-income work” and directs applicants to anonymous apps like Telegram for personal information. He urged the public not to apply for these job postings.

The investigation into these incidents has uncovered specific examples of yami baito postings on social media, such as:

  • “High-paying opportunities: taxi service, document delivery, pickups; daily pay starting at 50,000 yen”
  • “High-paying, safe jobs available”
  • “Transport people late at night”
  • “We’ll give you cash”

The National Police Agency has shared these details on X in a video message to raise public awareness and caution.

The “Luffy” boss trial

Since the end of August this year, there have been 35 arrests related to yami baito in Japan. Amid these developments, there has also been movement in a high-profile trial related to dark part-time jobs just last week.

Prosecutors charged defendant Rikuto Nagata (23) with involvement in six robbery incidents orchestrated by a person known as “Luffy.” In a robbery resulting in death last January in Komae City, Tokyo, where a 90-year-old woman lost her life, Nagata served as the leader of the perpetrators.

A perpetrator or a victim?

A defendant in their 20s, who received a prison sentence for their involvement in some of the robbery incidents conducted under Luffy, responded to an NHK reporter’s interview. He stated, “Applying for yami baito is the beginning of the end. What awaits you in the end is a prison sentence.”

According to this defendant, he applied for a yami baito listing on X. As for why, he had over 2 million yen (20,000 USD) in debt from living expenses and recreational costs.

Initially, someone introduced the defendant to roles as a “receiver” or “disburser” for special fraud schemes, earning 100,000 yen per job. However, the defendant later learned about something called “tataki.” When he asked what a tataki was, they told him, “It’s robbery.” You’ll get 1 million yen (10,000 USD) for each job.”

The defendant explained his involvement in the robbery. He expressed that although he felt anxious about getting caught by the police, he found it challenging to earn a significant income through regular jobs. The defendant further explained that he prioritized the potential money over the risk of arrest.

Pressuring people into committing crimes

Man sweet-talking someone on the phone
Picture: polkadot / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

Moreover, he revealed that Luffy asked him for personal information. They included his driver’s license photo and family address. Trusting the polite approach of the requester, he sent the information, believing it was necessary as in a regular job. Dark gig hirers, such as Luffy, obtain personal information from their recruits to threaten them into silence.

After receiving over 1 million yen for the first robbery, Luffy pressured the defendant to participate in another crime. Although he initially declined, threats regarding his personal information led him to comply.

After the second robbery, authorities sentenced him to nine years in prison, and he is currently appealing. He expressed regret over his actions and the impact on the victims.

Other Luffy workers have told similar stories. Former college beauty pageant model Kumai Hitomi talked about how she got caught up in the Luffy ring and how the group used coercion to keep her in her place.

The government’s response

Alongside the National Police Agency’s public advisory against becoming involved in yami baito, Prime Minister Ishiba indicated plans to include measures in the supplementary budget to prevent such crimes. These measures will involve public awareness campaigns urging people not to apply for dark gigs and strengthening consultation systems.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba told reporters, “The government has always worked to confiscate tools used by criminals and prevent their escape. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure there are no victims.”

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Aoki stated at a press conference that they will continue deleting yami baito information from social media. They will also strengthen public awareness campaigns to deter criminal acts. Additionally, the government will increase the number of police officers and enhance the equipment and resources needed for enforcement.

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What to read next

Sources

警察が”闇バイト募集”のSNS投稿に返信 警告と注意喚起を行う NHK

横浜“強盗殺人”「『日給15万以上』の見だしで応募した」と供述 0テレ NEWS

“闇バイト強盗” 被害者語る“恐怖と防犯意識” 0テレ NEWS

“ルフィ”事件の実行役「闇バイト応募は終わりの始まり」NHK

石破首相 闇バイト対策を今年度の補正予算案に盛り込む考え NHK

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