Stole a Total of 3.6 Million Yen Over 16 Months
Repaid All After Discovery, but Was Dismissed
A staff member in his twenties who misappropriated the "Imperial Household funds" used for the living expenses of the Japanese imperial family has been dismissed.
According to Nippon TV on May 1, the Imperial Household Agency announced that a staff member in his twenties, referred to as Mr. A, who belonged to the division serving as close aides to the imperial family, was dismissed for disciplinary reasons after being accused of stealing 3.6 million yen (approximately 3.6 million KRW) in cash from the "Imperial Household funds" managed in his office. The Imperial Household funds are used for the living expenses of the imperial family.
Exterior view of the Japanese Imperial Household Agency building. Screenshot from the Imperial Household Agency website.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, Mr. A worked as a chamberlain, supporting the royal family's activities and daily life at close range. In late March, while staying in the chamberlain's office, he stole 30,000 yen (about 300,000 KRW) in cash managed by his superior. An investigation revealed that, using the same method, he had stolen a total of 3.6 million yen (approximately 3.6 million KRW) from November 2023 to March of this year. Once the theft was discovered, Mr. A reportedly admitted to his crimes without resistance.
Last month, he repaid the entire amount of 3.6 million yen he had stolen. However, the Imperial Household Agency dismissed Mr. A as of May 1. Prior to this, on April 28, the agency filed a criminal complaint against him with the Imperial Palace Police Headquarters on charges of theft. In addition, the agency also disciplined a male deputy director in his forties who was in charge of the Imperial Household funds. He was penalized for neglect of management duties, resulting in a reduction of one-tenth of his monthly salary.
Back in January, another staff member at the agency noticed a discrepancy between the account books and the cash balance and began a careful investigation. In late March, he confirmed that an additional 30,000 yen was missing. On the morning he realized this, he confronted Mr. A about the situation, and Mr. A confessed not only to the 30,000 yen but also to the previously missing 3.57 million yen, admitting, "I took it all." It was found that, on some occasions, Mr. A stole several hundred thousand yen (several million KRW) at once. He explained, "I was having financial difficulties," and said the stolen money was used for living expenses and similar needs. According to the Imperial Household Agency, this is the first time that the Imperial Household funds have been stolen.
Nishimura Yasuhiko, Director-General of the Imperial Household Agency, commented on the incident, saying, "As a national public servant and as a staff member supporting the activities of the imperial family, I am truly regretful," and added, "I sincerely apologize to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, as well as to all members of the imperial family. We will make every effort to thoroughly prevent any recurrence in the future." Director-General Nishimura also stated that guidance was provided to the department to which Mr. A belonged regarding supervisory responsibility, along with instructions to prevent recurrence.
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