BANGKOK — A Japanese national with ties to criminal organizations in Thailand has been arrested following a history of violence and fraud. The suspect is also under investigation for possible human trafficking connections and is wanted on arrest warrants in both Thailand and Japan.
Police Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, revealed that immigration police arrested Mr. Kaneda, a 42-year-old Japanese citizen, at Hua Hin residence, Prachuap Khiri Khan province on March 23. The arrest was made according to a warrant issued by the South Bangkok District Court on February 21, 2025.
Kaneda is accused of committing fraud by using documents and information from a Japanese company registered in Thailand to deceive both Thai nationals and his fellow Japanese citizens into investing in cannabis businesses and various other ventures. The total damages are estimated at 10 million baht.
Further investigation in cooperation with the Japanese Embassy in Thailand revealed that the suspect has been wanted by Japanese authorities since 2017. He is also accused of physically assaulting a fellow Japanese national in Thailand on Sukhumvit Soi 49/13, causing serious injuries including a broken lower jaw and a fractured second molar in the left lower jaw, which required approximately one month of medical treatment.
The victim later returned to Japan to file charges, resulting in another arrest warrant being issued by Japanese authorities.
The suspect most recently entered Thailand on September 19, 2024, through Don Mueang Airport. Police also discovered video evidence related to ransom demands, including footage showing knife cuts to an ear, and conversations about ransom demands and death threats. There is also suspicion of human trafficking in the form of organ trafficking, with evidence showing prices for various organs. This aspect of the case is still under investigation.
Kaneda has admitted to being the person named in the arrest warrant. Officials have transferred him to the Thung Mahamek Police Station for further legal proceedings.
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