Police in Osaka prefecture arrested two Vietnamese men, aged 26 and 27, residing in Takaishi city, for violating Japan's Road Traffic Act, Japanese media reported on 31/7.
The suspects face charges of modifying vehicles that failed to meet technical safety standards and providing them to unlicensed drivers. According to investigators, the men operated for about three years, using Vietnamese social media accounts to advertise their "vehicle modification" service.
Their method involved attaching throttles to the handlebars of pedal-assist bicycles, transforming them into electric bikes capable of self-propulsion without pedaling. These modified bikes could reach a maximum speed of about 30 km/h. The cost for each conversion ranged from 20,000 to 40,000 yen (125-250 USD). Authorities estimate the group modified between 100 and 170 vehicles over the past three years, with the majority of their clients being Vietnamese nationals living and working in Japan.
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A 'modified' vehicle seized by Osaka police. Photo: 47 News |
Osaka police uncovered the operation through online surveillance. Investigation records revealed that earlier this year, the two suspects modified vehicles for three female compatriots residing in the same prefecture. Despite the upgraded vehicles lacking mandatory equipment such as rearview mirrors and license plates, and the operators lacking licenses, the group still handed over the bikes to customers for use.
The two suspects were arrested on 23/6. By mid-july, police completed their investigation and referred the case to prosecutors, recommending charges against the three female customers for operating unsafe and unlicensed vehicles. The two men also faced additional charges for their involvement.
An investigation official issued a warning: "Traffic laws vary by country, and everyone must strictly adhere to regulations in Japan. Most self-modified vehicles do not have mandatory third-party liability insurance, leading to a significant risk that victims will not receive compensation in the event of an accident."
In Japan, electric-assist bicycles are classified as motor vehicles. This classification mandates that operators possess a license, vehicles display license plates, be equipped with rearview mirrors, and carry mandatory insurance. Osaka police continue to monitor other Vietnamese social media accounts advertising similar vehicle modification services.
Hong Hanh (According to Yomiuri, 47 News)
