In a plot straight out of a Hollywood thriller, a trio of elderly men in Japan has become the unlikely face of crime, capturing international headlines and the public's imagination. These three men, who initially met in prison, have allegedly teamed up to carry out a series of burglaries on the northern island of Hokkaido. What sets this story apart is the surprising fact that all three men are over the age of 70, earning them the nickname "grandpa gang."
According to a report by The South China Morning Post, the trio, with a combined age of 227, has been dubbed "G3S" by police—a playful nod to the Japanese word for "grandpas." The group includes Hideo Umino, 88, Hidemi Matsuda, 70, and Kenichi Watanabe, 69, who are suspected of masterminding a string of burglaries after forming their criminal alliance during their time in prison.
Upon their release, the "grandpa gang" allegedly turned their sights on unoccupied homes in Hokkaido. In May, the trio is accused of breaking into an empty house in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Despite the audacious attempt, their haul was modest: 200 yen (US$1.3) in cash and three bottles of whisky valued at a total of 10,000 yen (US$65).
Undeterred by the meager proceeds, the elderly trio is suspected of striking again the following month. This time, they reportedly made off with 24 pieces of jewellery worth a staggering one million yen (US$6,400) from another vacant residence in the same area.
As news of the elderly gang's alleged crimes spread, they quickly became a viral sensation. The unusual profile of these senior criminals has captured the public's imagination, making them an international curiosity.
The "grandpa gang's" story raises questions about the motivations and capabilities of older individuals in the world of crime, challenging stereotypes and prompting a re-examination of the factors leading to their involvement in such activities. As the investigation continues, the world watches with bated breath, intrigued by this unexpected twist in the tale of crime.
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