Osaka, Japan – A Korean mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, identified by local media as a participant in the popular Japanese event 'Breaking Down,' has been arrested along with a group of accomplices for allegedly attempting to smuggle 3.5 kilograms of pure gold into Japan. The individuals reportedly tried to pass the gold off as award medals won at a martial arts competition in South Korea.

Details of the Smuggling Operation 

The Osaka Prefectural Police's International Investigation Division referred the Korean man, identified as Mr. Kim (35), and seven Japanese nationals (men and women in their 20s to 40s) to prosecutors on charges of violating the Customs Act.

The group is accused of attempting the illegal import in mid-January of this year, flying from Incheon International Airport to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Mr. Kim, who allegedly acted as the recruiter, distributed seven pure gold medals, each weighing 500 grams, to the seven Japanese couriers at Incheon Airport. The total estimated value of the gold is approximately 47 million Japanese yen (about 437 million Korean Won or roughly $315,000 USD).

The Deceptive Tactic 

The couriers attempted to evade customs inspection by wearing the gold medals around their necks or hiding them under their clothes. This tactic was reportedly chosen because genuine gold medals—typically only gold-plated over a silver core—are often exempt from the import declaration requirements that apply to other gold products.

When intercepted by customs officials at KIX, the couriers allegedly claimed they had received the medals after competing in a martial arts tournament in Korea. The medals even had their names engraved, lending a false air of authenticity.

However, subsequent police investigation confirmed that none of the couriers had actually participated in any such competition.

Suspect Arrested and Motive 

Mr. Kim, who local media reports indicate is an individual known in the Korean MMA scene, particularly through his participation in Road FC and his appearance in Japan's 'Breaking Down' event, was formally arrested last month, eight months after the initial detection.

During the police interrogation, Mr. Kim admitted to the charges, stating that he had received a proposal from a contact in Korea to participate in the gold smuggling and had cooperated on several occasions since late last year. He claimed that financial difficulties were his motivation for getting involved for an alleged fee. Police suspect that Mr. Kim received tens of thousands of yen for each successful courier.

Authorities believe the overarching scheme was to exploit the difference in consumption tax. The group likely purchased the gold overseas, where consumption tax is not applied, and intended to sell it in Japan at a price inclusive of the consumption tax to pocket the difference, which is a common motive in gold smuggling into Japan.

The case highlights the sophisticated methods criminal groups employ to illegally profit from tax differences, even enlisting individuals, including those with some public profile, as couriers.