"Idol Mannage Haejulge" Cash Extortion by Former Japanese Idol Member, Sentenced to Prison

Posing as Entertainment Insiders to Extort Cash
Also Facilitating Similar Fraud Schemes

"I am an entertainment industry insider. I can connect you with Johnny's idols, actors, and talents at reasonable prices, so please contact me if you are interested."

In Japan, a man in his 20s who extorted cash from nine women in their 20s by promising to introduce them to idols belonging to famous entertainment agencies has been sentenced to prison, sparking controversy. This man used his experience of working in the entertainment industry after participating in a Japanese audition program to extort money, and he posted photos on social networking services (SNS) showing him buying luxury goods with the money he received, drawing severe criticism.

On the 25th, the Mainichi newspaper reported that the Nagoya District Court sentenced 24-year-old Ayumu Kuroda to three years in prison last month. Kuroda is a former idol member who debuted through the Japanese audition program 'Junon Superboy' and was active in the debut group 'Junon Superboy Anothers.'

Photos from Kuroda Ayumu's social networking service (SNS) posted by the victims.

Mainichi reconstructed the method based on testimonies from victims and trial documents as follows. Kuroda posted promotional messages on SNS claiming, "I can connect you with members of famous idol groups such as Johnny's," and after exchanging messages and building rapport with interested individuals, he arranged meetings.

At the meetings, Kuroda appeared covered in luxury goods and pretended to be in contact with entertainment insiders right before their eyes, feigning connections. He built trust by showing victims invitations to parties attended by former entertainers, actor schedules, and meal receipts.

Afterward, Kuroda demanded large sums of money from them, saying, "You need to pay a deposit in case you start dating an idol or a scandal breaks out," and forced those who said they had no money to take out loans from lending companies.

Kuroda was arrested by the police in September 2021 on charges of extorting 1.69 million yen (16.82 million KRW) in cash from one victim using the same method. After news of his arrest spread, more than 20 people reported similar damages. The police applied charges for 17.9 million yen (178 million KRW) extorted from nine victims, but the actual total damage is estimated to exceed 50 million yen (497 million KRW).

Kuroda Ayumu during his idol activities. (Photo by Ongakunatari, a Japanese music site)

Moreover, Kuroda brokered his fraudulent activities to others by saying, "Wouldn't you like to make money by mediating people who want to meet entertainers?" He promoted the business as "earning a salaryman's monthly wage in one day" and "a self-proclaimed genius who started a business and did better than expected," distributing a 'customer acquisition manual' detailing how to increase SNS followers and select photos to post.

During the investigation, it was revealed that his motive was financial problems. He had a short career as an idol and did not earn much money, and in 2021, he was scammed by an acquaintance who proposed co-managing a nightlife business, leaving him with a large debt. In court, Kuroda stated, "I knew from the beginning that it was wrong," but added, "It was like sweet honey that allowed me to make money quickly, so I couldn't get out of it." He also said, "If I hadn't been arrested, I would have continued the fraud."

During the trial, he requested a suspended sentence and reached settlements with seven victims to that end. The settlement amount was calculated based on half of the damage, as he said, "I already split the money with an accomplice." One victim told Mainichi, "I reluctantly agreed to the settlement because I thought I wouldn't get a single yen back, but I had used high-interest private loans," adding, "The half-settlement amount feels insincere and is nowhere near enough to recover the damage."

The court judged that despite the serious nature of his crimes, he showed no remorse. Judge Yuki Ishisaki said in the ruling, "He tried to extort as much money and goods as possible. The crime was planned and malicious," and sentenced him to three years in prison, stating, "A suspended sentence is not appropriate." Kuroda made a final statement saying, "I caused great trouble to the victims due to a big mistake," but appealed the day after the verdict.

Mainichi reported that in court, Kuroda's father said, "I irresponsibly raised him by providing financial support so that he wouldn't have difficulties after moving to Tokyo. It is my responsibility as a parent." It was also added that some victims are still repaying debts from private loans.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.