Japan police arrest second-in-command of illegal scouting group 'Natural'
The 35-year-old suspect, identified as the number two figure in the group described as Japan’s largest illegal scouting operation, was taken into custody following a nationwide manhunt.
The Metropolitan Police Department has arrested a 35-year-old man in Osaka Prefecture on suspicion of violating the Employment Security Act. The suspect, who was subject to a nationwide manhunt, was apprehended on June 11, 2026.
Authorities have identified the individual as the second-in-command of 'Natural', a group characterised by police as Japan’s largest illegal scouting operation active in major urban centres. The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation into the group’s recruitment practices.
The Employment Security Act regulates recruitment activities and prohibits unlicensed or deceptive scouting. Violations of this legislation can carry substantial penalties, reflecting the government’s stance on maintaining integrity in the labour market. The specific details of the alleged breaches remain under review as the investigation proceeds.
'Natural' has been described as operating across major cities, with police noting its extensive reach within these urban areas. The classification of the group as an illegal scouting operation is based on the actions of its members, which are alleged to contravene established employment regulations.
The suspect’s capture in Osaka concludes a period of active pursuit by law enforcement agencies across the country. The Metropolitan Police Department has not yet released further details regarding the full extent of the group’s activities or the specific actions attributed to the arrested individual.
