Japanese authorities have arrested a couple in Osaka Prefecture for allegedly attempting to smuggle 45 tons of rice into the country by disguising the shipment as mung beans.
The suspects, identified as Tran Thi Thu Huyen, 36, a Vietnamese national and head of a food trading company in Higashiosaka, and her husband Tomoyuki Takeshige, 47, were taken into custody for violating Japan’s customs law.
According to Osaka Prefectural Police, the couple attempted the import between June 11 and 25, using two containers filled with 2,272 cardboard boxes of rice hidden behind mung bean packaging.
Fraud Uncovered During Routine Inspection
The deception was uncovered during a routine cargo inspection at the Osaka customs office, where officers noticed inconsistencies in the shipment documentation.
Upon further investigation, they discovered the concealed rice, which had been falsely declared to bypass import restrictions and duties.
The suspects reportedly denied knowledge of the rice being packed in the shipment, claiming ignorance during preliminary questioning.
Rice Smuggling on the Rise?
This case adds to growing concerns about agricultural smuggling in Japan, especially amid rising global food prices and tighter import regulations.
Authorities are now investigating whether the couple had prior involvement in similar schemes or connections to broader smuggling networks.
