【否認】1.2億円だまし取る 医師なりすまし、男性器増大うたう「薬品」販売の中国人男女を逮捕⋯大阪
A Chinese man and woman have been arrested in Osaka on suspicion of impersonating doctors and swindling approximately ¥120 million (about $800,000 USD) by selling health-related products.
The suspects reportedly deny the charges. Online reactions express outrage, questioning the audacity of the crime and how people fall victim.
This incident serves as a renewed warning against health-related scams, prompting vigilance against fraudulent schemes.
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Impersonating a Doctor
Doctor impersonation refers to an act where an unlicensed individual falsely assumes the identity or title of a doctor and engages in activities akin to medical practice, such as diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing. This is a violation of Article 17 of Japan's Medical Practitioners' Act and can lead to severe penalties. In the current case, although the primary goal was not direct medical treatment but rather the sale of "health-related products," the malicious aspect lies in exploiting the authority of a doctor to gain consumer trust. Consumers are prone to believing advice from supposed experts, increasing their risk of purchasing inaccurate information or unsubstantiated products at high prices. For instance, in 2020, a case was reported where an individual impersonating a doctor targeted cancer patients, recommending unapproved treatments and swindling large sums for medical fees. To verify a doctor's identity, systems like the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Physician and Other Qualification Verification Search System" are effective. Victims of doctor impersonation face not only financial loss but also potential health damage due to misinformation, making it a very serious issue.
Health Food and Unapproved Drug Scams
Scams involving health foods and unapproved drugs exploit consumers' health anxieties and desires, selling high-priced products by claiming unsubstantiated effects and benefits. In Japan, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (PMD Act) strictly restricts non-pharmaceutical products from claiming to treat or prevent diseases, and the sale of unapproved drugs is prohibited. However, cases of fraudsters using clever advertising, testimonials, and—as in this case—impersonating doctors to create an illusion of trustworthiness and deceive consumers are rampant. The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan receives thousands of consultations annually regarding products that not only have no effect but can also harm health. For example, exaggerated advertisements often seen online, such as "just drink it to cure illness" or "dramatically improve XX," are in most cases highly likely to violate the PMD Act. Furthermore, many unapproved drugs imported from overseas contain harmful ingredients or have unclear active ingredient content, posing an extremely high risk of health damage. Consumers are urged to be especially cautious of products that claim excessive effects or are sold through channels unverified by experts, and to exercise wise judgment to avoid impulsive purchases.
International Organized Crime
International organized crime refers to criminal acts systematically carried out by criminal groups operating across multiple countries. In this case, the arrest of "Chinese man and woman" and the colossal damage amount of ¥120 million suggest the involvement of an organization with an international network rather than an individual perpetrator. International criminal organizations are extremely difficult to apprehend as they often locate their bases overseas to disrupt investigations or move funds across multiple countries for money laundering. Language barriers and differences in legal systems among countries also complicate investigations. For example, special fraud schemes are frequently carried out by international organizations, and Japanese police are increasingly collaborating with overseas investigative agencies for crackdowns. In 2023, a Japanese special fraud group based in the Philippines was busted, highlighting the growing threat of cross-border crime. Such criminal groups cleverly analyze the culture and psychology of target countries, devising methods to exploit vulnerabilities, as seen in the "health-related products" scam in this case. To combat international organized crime, close information sharing and strengthened international investigative cooperation among national law enforcement agencies are essential.