The case centers on alleged peer-to-peer crypto conversions of funds from 10 victims, as police say the broader laundering network may have moved tens of billions of yen in Japan.
Osaka prefectural police arrested three men on suspicion of violating Japan’s Organized Crime Punishment Act, alleging they converted about ¥14 million taken from 10 victims in six prefectures into stablecoins and other crypto assets for an investment fraud group. Police said the transactions were carried out through peer-to-peer, off-exchange trades and believe the wider network handled tens of billions of yen. The case underscores concern over how direct crypto transactions can be used to move suspected criminal proceeds outside conventional exchange channels, adding to pressure for stronger anti-money laundering controls and closer oversight of trading activity in Japan.