A spokesperson for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department stated that the suspects acted on the evening of 29/1. The incident occurred near Ueno station, a popular tourist area in Tokyo, where a group of five people were transferring a suitcase of money into a car. The three suspects subsequently fled in an oto.

The victims, Chinese and Japanese nationals aged 20 to 40, reported being attacked with pepper spray by the robbery group. The stolen suitcase contained approximately 420 million JPY, equivalent to about 2,7 million USD. Fuji Television, citing statements from the victims to investigators, reported that the money was intended for foreign currency exchange businesses.

Japanese police examine the scene of the 2,7 million USD robbery in Tokyo on the evening of 29/1. Photo: *NHK*.

Also on the evening of 29/1, a hit-and-run occurred on a street near the robbery scene. A man in his 50s was struck by an oto and taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Police suspect the robbery group caused the hit-and-run while escaping. Authorities found an abandoned blue small truck near the accident area, but no suspects have been apprehended.

Police described one suspect as a male, approximately 170 cm tall, wearing a black wool hat, black jacket, and black pants.

Japanese media reported another pepper spray attack by three individuals early this morning at a parking lot at Haneda airport, Tokyo. A man carrying 190 million JPY in cash was targeted. Police are investigating whether the two robberies are connected.

Thanh Danh (According to AFP, NHK, Yomiuri)