Former Tokyo Taxi Driver Arrested for Alleged Rape and Filming of Approximately 50 Women

TOKYO, May 22, 2025 — A former taxi driver in Tokyo has been arrested on suspicion of drugging and sexually assaulting a female passenger, Tokyo Metropolitan Police confirmed on Thursday. Media outlets report the case may involve as many as 50 victims.

The 54-year-old suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday and is being investigated for non-consensual sexual intercourse and violation of Japan’s law prohibiting the illicit filming of sexual acts, according to a police spokesperson.

The arrest stems from an incident in 2023, in which the suspect allegedly gave a woman in her 20s sleeping pills, rendering her unconscious. He then transported her to his residence, where he reportedly carried out and recorded an indecent act. Media reports indicate that traces of sleeping pills were later found in the victim’s hair during the investigation.

According to Yomiuri Shimbun and Jiji Press, authorities recovered approximately 3,000 images and videos from the suspect’s phone and other electronic devices. The material reportedly depicts assaults on around 50 women, occurring either inside his taxi or at his home. Some of the content dates back as far as 2008.

The suspect had previously been arrested in October 2024 on suspicion of drugging and robbing a woman of 40,000 yen (approximately USD 280). He was released at that time but was taken into custody again in December for an unrelated case involving alleged indecent assault.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the identities of potential victims or additional charges.