Chilean Suspects Arrested After ¥200 Million Luxury Watch Heist in Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan — Septe Japanese police have arrested two Chilean nationals suspected of stealing four luxury watches worth approximately ¥200 million (about US$1.3 million) from a watch shop inside Tokyo’s Nakano Broadway.
The robbery took place shortly before noon on August 25. Investigators say the suspects smashed a glass display case with a hammer-like object and took four high-value watches in a matter of seconds. No injuries were reported during the incident.
According to Japanese media reports, the two suspects had visited the store two days before the theft, apparently inspecting the location. Security-camera footage also captured their movements around the time of the crime.
After allegedly taking the watches, the suspects fled in different directions. One reportedly escaped using an electric scooter, while the other ran toward Nakano Station. Police later found an abandoned scooter and clothing believed to be connected to the escape.
Investigators eventually traced the suspects to Osaka, where they were arrested after allegedly hiding at a short-term accommodation facility. Police also searched the property as part of the investigation.
Authorities believe the suspects may have planned to leave Japan after the robbery. One of the accused reportedly told investigators that the watches were intended to be sold and the money taken back to Chile.
Police are still searching for three of the four stolen watches. Investigators are examining security-camera footage and other evidence to determine the complete sequence of events and whether additional people were involved.
The case has attracted considerable attention because of the speed of the robbery and the exceptionally high value of the stolen watches. The suspects remain subject to the Japanese legal process, and the allegations against them have not been finally determined by a court.
