TOKYO -- Four men, including a former director and the current deputy director of Tokyo's Sunshine Aquarium, were referred to prosecutors Jan. 23 for allegedly inflating the number of endangered tortoises in their care to fraudulently obtain government funds.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) stated that the aquarium was commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to care for 23 Burmese star tortoises smuggled into Japan between 1999 and 2003. Over time, as space for the tortoises became limited, staff gave away 10 of them to private enthusiasts but continued reporting the original numbers to the government. Over 19 years starting in fiscal 2002, investigators believe the aquarium fraudulently received about 1.89 million yen (around $12,100) in management fees.

The suspects include a 60-year-old former director from Fujimi, Saitama Prefecture, and a 59-year-old deputy director from Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. Between October 2018 and April 2022, they allegedly submitted falsified documents claiming they were caring for 10 to 12 tortoises, though only eight to nine remained. This reportedly enabled them to secure an additional 150,000 yen (approx. $960) in fees. Police say the accused have admitted to the allegations, reportedly stating they adjusted the numbers to avoid doubts about the aquarium's management capabilities.

Separately, the MPD arrested three individuals, including a 57-year-old diving shop owner in Motobu, Okinawa Prefecture, on suspicion of violating the endangered species conservation law. The suspects are accused of breeding the 10 tortoises they obtained from the Tokyo aquarium and selling two of them for 40,000 yen (around $260). All three have reportedly largely admitted to the allegations.

The Burmese star tortoise is a species of land tortoise native to Myanmar and classified as endangered. Its international trade is strictly regulated under the Washington Convention, an international treaty aimed at protecting endangered plants and animals.

(Japanese original by Shohei Kato, Tokyo City News Department)