Jpop singer under investigation for illegal online gambling

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A member of the Japanese boy group JO1, Shion Tsurubo, is currently under investigation by Tokyo Metropolitan Police for gambling online.

Authorities allege that Tsurubo may have accessed international gambling websites, which are prohibited under Japanese law.

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While many of these platforms are offshore, accessing them from within Japan is still considered a criminal offense under the country’s Penal Code.

The suspected gambling activity occurred over nine months and involved online casino-style games. Tsurubo is believed to have wagered roughly JPY15 million (US$103,000)1 JPY = 0.0069 USD
2025-06-17Powered by CMG CurrenShift on these international casino sites and lost approximately half.

According to Japan News, Tsurubo said, “I was attracted by how easy it was and became addicted. I knew that gambling was prohibited by law, but I thought online casinos would be okay.”

Police are now investigating possible digital evidence, including financial records and browsing history, as part of their investigation.

Tsurubo’s talent agency announced that he would suspend his activities for 10 days beginning 31 May.

In response to the rise of illegal gambling in Japan, the Japanese government has asked eight other countries to block online casino access for Japanese residents.

In March, a National Police Agency survey found that illegal gambling in Japan had exceeded JPY1.2 trillion (US$8.25 billion)1 JPY = 0.0069 USD
2025-06-17Powered by CMG CurrenShift, with over three million Japanese nationals admitting to having gambled online.

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