Comedians part of Yoshimoto Kogyo Holdings, the Japanese entertainment conglomerate founded more than 100 years ago, are subject to inspection. This is after allegedly gambling online through overseas operators. The public prosecutors previously received papers regarding six well-known comedians suspected of involvement in gambling.
As announced by Jiji Press, a local media outlet, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department sent letters to the public prosecutors. The letters concern six comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo. Law enforcement is requesting for indictments against the suspects through submitting the papers to the prosecutors.
Between January 2023 and December 2024, authorities suspect all six comedians of gambling online. They allegedly used the services of numerous online gambling outlets overseas. These include platforms that offer casino-style games like Sportsbet.io.
Japan confirmed the launch of a new plan to fight illegal online gambling, the announcement comes after late last month. The far-reaching campaign looks to raise awareness of the dangers of gambling, reinforce the regulations that restricts the advertising of online gambling and stop consumers from accessing such offshore gambling websites.
Apparently, the six suspects engaged in online gambling activities, like blackjack and baccarat. Authorities suspect the comedians of participating in gambling games through their smartphones while waiting at theaters or traveling across the country for work.
According to a newly released report citing unnamed investigative sources, some of the suspects have already admitted to participating in online gambling. Some suspects claimed they are addicted to gambling. They also said they borrowed money for such activities from Yoshimoto Kogyo and friends.
One suspect, addicted to gambling, allegedly deposited ¥51 million or a sum of almost $350,000 with online gambling operators. In another case, suspects claimed they decided to try online gambling after seeing gameplay videos on social media.
Still, most admitted that they were not aware that gambling online through offshore operators is recognized as a crime. Gambling keeps on growing in popularity and some people fall victim to problem gambling, even if it is seen as a criminal activity.
