A man in Tokyo has been arrested for using a counterfeit version of Japan's newly issued 10,000 yen bill, marking the first case of its kind in the country.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Investigation Division 2 arrested a 27-year-old man from Taito Ward on the 13th on suspicion of using a forged banknote.
Authorities confirmed that this is the first documented instance of a counterfeit bill from the new series being used.
The suspect allegedly used a forged 10,000 yen note on February 10 at a convenience store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, to purchase beverages and cigarettes totaling 690 yen.
When questioned, the suspect reportedly admitted, stating, "I did it.
"
This case has raised serious concerns about the security of Japan's new banknotes, which were introduced with advanced anti-counterfeiting features.
The police are now investigating how the counterfeit bill was produced and whether similar incidents have occurred across the country.