International Social Science Journal (Chinese Edition)

No.3, 2024

Sentencing for Accomplices of Specialized Fraud Cases in Japan: Judgment on Whether to Apply Suspended Sentences

(Abstract)

Wakana Kuremoto

Specialized fraud has become a social problem in Japan, especially when young people are hired by criminal groups to take on the role of perpetrators (known as “Ukeko”). It has been pointed out that their sentences tend to be harsher. However, there have been some suspended sentences in recent court cases. This paper presents trends in specialized fraud in Japan based on statistical data. The fact that the offence was an attempt has a significant impact on the assessment and may result in a suspended sentence even if other factors are unfavourable. A suspended sentence is also likely to be given when the defendant is young, the amount of damage is not large, there is adequate compensation for the damage, there is no previous criminal record for the defendant and the role the defendant plays is minor. Rather, even if some factors are not good, a suspended sentence may be imposed depending on other factors.