Sergeant in Kyoto Police Referred to Prosecutors for Gambling Via Online Casinos

The Yomiuri Shimbun

17:53 JST, March 20, 2026

KYOTO — A sergeant of the Kyoto prefectural police was referred to prosecutors on Thursday for repeatedly gambling via foreign-owned online casinos, the police have announced.

The 35-year-old sergeant, who worked at the Kameoka Police Station, was disciplined on the day with a six-month suspension from his duties. He resigned on the same day.

According to the announcement, the sergeant is suspected of accessing three casinos 120 times from his home, workplace and other places between June and December last year and playing slots, baccarat and other online casino games.

He apparently used about ¥36 million to place bets, ultimately losing around ¥600,000.

The suspect has reportedly admitted to the charge.

The police became aware of the illicit activity in November. In response to questioning from the authorities, the sergeant said that he started using the casinos in 2022 to pay back debt that he had accumulated from playing pachinko and betting on motor boat races.

“I apologize deeply for betraying everybody’s trust,” he reportedly said.