Editor-in-chief of Japan’s biggest games publication Famitsu arrested on suspicion of fraud

Famitsu Editor-in-chief Eiichi Sato has been arrested for suspected fraud. According to Asahi News, Sato is accused of devising an identity theft ruse to collect freelance fees for items.

Sato was previously editor-in-chief at Famitsu, a subsidiary of Kadokawa, and he was in charge of freelance article editing. Famitsu, of course, is Japan’s most dominant heritage video game publication.

Asahi News and Tokai TV report that between March and June of last year, Sato allegedly filed three incidentals for articles he wrote that he tried to pass off as freelance work. As part of his scheme, Tokai had bought a bank card from a man he had met online. In total, he received about 400,000 yen ($ 3,650).

Sato confessed to the charges. “I had no savings,” said the 43-year-old, “and I was worried about the future.” It added that he thought he would get caught, but his desire for a lot of money was stronger than those concerns.

Kadokawa added that he “will fully cooperate with the investigation.”

Police showed the suspect’s computer and cell phones, as well as bank books and bank cards intended for Japanese media.