“I Could Have Killed Someone Too”: Former Juvenile Offender Describes the Reality of Japan’s Illegal Online Jobs

In a recent robbery-murder case in Tochigi Prefecture, six people, including a 16-year-old high school student, were arrested. A former juvenile offender currently serving prison time for involvement in multiple robberies across Japan shared details about how illegal online jobs known as “yami baito” operate, how young people are recruited, and why preventing these crimes remains difficult.

Social media hashtags lead to criminal recruitment

According to the former offender, criminal organizations actively search social media for vulnerable users.

“Hashtags like ‘same-day cash,’ ‘debt repayment,’ ‘daily pay,’ ‘high income,’ or ‘financial problems’ attract recruiters. The more popular tags you use, the more offers you receive — from seemingly normal jobs to criminal activity. Once the conversation moves to Signal or Telegram, it’s 100% illegal.”

He explained that many young people struggling financially become easy targets for recruiters promising fast money.

“I usually survived through temporary jobs so I wouldn’t attract attention from the police. Occasionally, I accepted high-risk jobs for bigger rewards.”

“I also could have killed someone”

In the Tochigi case, robbery escalated into murder.

Under Japanese law, robbery resulting in death carries penalties ranging from life imprisonment to the death penalty. Even juveniles can receive extremely severe punishment.

Although nobody died in A’s own case, he admitted the situation could easily have turned fatal.

“I also could have killed someone. Or maybe one of my accomplices could have done it. Sometimes I think about what would have happened if the victim had hit their head after being kicked.”

At the same time, he said he understood the seriousness of murder.

“I knew killing someone could lead to life imprisonment or even execution, so I tried to hold back as much as possible.”

Violence escalates when strangers commit crimes together

The former offender committed crimes alongside someone he had known for years.

“Before the robbery, we agreed not to seriously injure anyone if possible.”

He believes crimes become especially dangerous when groups lose emotional control.

“When several people get carried away together, violence can escalate very quickly.”

He admitted he would never feel safe committing crimes with strangers recruited online.

“I would honestly be afraid myself.”

According to him, when unrelated people are gathered together through social media, the risk of extreme violence becomes much higher.

“Even with warnings, some people will still do it”

The former offender believes media coverage alone cannot stop illegal recruitment.

“Even if the media keeps warning people, there will still be those who accept these offers.”

He suggested creating independent support organizations for people who become trapped after sharing personal information with recruiters.

“Once your information is exposed, it becomes difficult to contact the police because you’re afraid. Civil organizations or NGOs should provide support.”

He also pointed out that illegal drug sales continue openly online.

“It’s not just illegal jobs. Drugs like MDMA are also being sold openly on social media. Authorities should crack down on that first, but it clearly isn’t easy.”

Meanwhile, social media platforms in Japan remain flooded with posts advertising “high-paying jobs,” “instant cash,” and “safe opportunities.”