US Marines suspected of thefts in Tokyo and Hiroshima

Prosecutors, not police, decide formal charges under the Japanese justice system. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

TOKYO — Japanese authorities are investigating two U.S. Marines for possible thefts totaling $65,000 or more since last fall, according to Japanese police and media reports recently.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Friday forwarded to Japanese prosecutors their case against two Marines, ages 20 and 26, for stealing 27,000 yen, or $175, in cash from two restaurants in Kabukicho, a nightlife district near Shinjuku, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Dec. 24, The Mainichi newspaper reported Friday.

The newspaper cited the police as a source, although a Tokyo police spokeswoman declined to confirm the report by phone for Stars and Stripes on Tuesday. 

The Marines may be linked to multiple thefts last fall with losses exceeding $65,000, The Mainichi reported, citing an unnamed investigative source.

Two Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and under suspicion by Japanese authorities of “criminal misconduct” are in Marine Corps custody, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing spokesman Maj. Joseph Butterfield said by email Tuesday.

He said the wing is “actively cooperating with Japanese authorities,” but did not specify the allegations against the two. 

The Hiroshima Prefectural Police also forwarded a case to prosecutors there Friday accusing the older Marine of trespassing in two buildings, damage to a building, theft and attempted theft, a spokesman for the police third investigative division said by phone Tuesday. 

The spokesman declined to identify the Marine by name or unit, but said he is one of the two Marines that Tokyo police referred to prosecutors.

Butterfield said the wing takes these incidents seriously, and that “service members receive continuous education on upholding local laws and U.S. regulations.”

Japanese authorities have jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed by U.S. service members off base and off duty.

“We remain committed to our alliance and ensuring U.S. personnel maintain the highest standards of conduct,” Butterfield said.