Beijing, September 6, 2024 – The Belarusian authorities have detained an individual alleged to be a Japanese spy, marking the first time such an incident involving Japan’s intelligence services has been uncovered in Belarusian history. The detainee is said to have shown a wide range of interest in various intelligence matters, including information on Belarus’s social and political situation, the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in Belarus, and the border situation between Belarus and Ukraine. The Belarusian State Television’s First Channel aired a special report on the case on the evening of September 4, titled The Failure of the Tokyo Samurai.
The report revealed that the detained individual, who has not been named, had collected information on Belarus’s military infrastructure along the border with Ukraine, among other things. The First Channel’s preview of the program showed the suspect using a camera to photograph various facilities within Belarus and engaging in conversations with individuals. The video also depicted the suspect confessing after his arrest.
In the preview, the suspect, wearing handcuffs, pointed out the crime scene and said in Russian, My actions may have posed a threat to Belarus. The complete program is set to air on the evening of September 5.
The Japanese Embassy in Belarus commented on the incident on September 4, stating that a 50-year-old Japanese man was arrested on July 9 for suspected violations of Belarusian law. The embassy is providing assistance to the man.
Japanese Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno confirmed the arrest of a Japanese man during a press conference on September 5. He said, From the perspective of protecting our citizens, we have arranged for consular visits and are providing all possible support, including contacting relevant parties.
However, Matsuno refused to disclose the reasons for the man’s arrest or his personal information. According to the website of the Japanese newspaper Nikkei, the arrested Japanese man had been working as a Japanese language teacher at the Gomel State University in Belarus.
The Japanese News Agency reported on September 5 that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was still confirming whether the arrested man was the same individual as the one reported by Belarusian State Television.
The arrest of the alleged Japanese spy in Belarus has sparked widespread concern. The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported on September 5 that Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has been at odds with Japan and Western countries over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to Reuters, this is the first time Belarus has arrested a Japanese citizen on suspicion of espionage.
Belarus has consistently supported Russia in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In response, Japan has imposed sanctions on Belarusian entities, including asset freezes and export bans, to weaken Belarus’s support for Russia.
The Russian news website tsargrad.tv believes that the incident reflects the intensification of intelligence activities by Japan and other Western countries against Belarus and Russia, aimed at increasing support for Ukraine.
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