China confirms arrest of 35 Japanese citizens

Chinese authorities have confirmed that they have arrested 35 Japanese citizens on suspicion of fraud.

The arrests, made since June 30, appear to be the largest number of Japanese suspected of illegal activities in China in recent years.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. Photo: AP

Xinhua news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang as saying that the Japanese government had been informed about this. However, he did not provide further specific information.

"35 Japanese citizens were arrested by local police on charges of involvement in fraud on June 30," Geng Shuang confirmed.

China has been trying to crack down on telephone scams targeting Chinese victims, many of whom are suspected to be foreigners.

Scammers send fake bank statements or messages asking recipients to transfer money to different accounts to avoid fines or claim prizes.

Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that the 35 people were arrested in Fujian province, southeastern China.

According to Vietnamnet.vn