A pendant-style repeater and miniature earphones are seized from a female test-taker, photographed during her questioning at Tokyo Metropolitan Police Headquarters on July 22. (©Saki Maejima)
On July 22, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's International Crimes Division re-arrested Wang Likun (27), a second-year Chinese graduate student at Kyoto University. Wang is suspected of forging a sealed private document in connection with a TOEIC exam fraud.
The authorities disclosed a small microphone and earphones that were seized during the investigation. Approximately 7 centimeters long, the microphone is believed to have been concealed inside Wang's mask, allowing him to transmit answers to other test-takers.
One female examinee, a Chinese national, carried bead-shaped earphones about 3 millimeters in diameter, along with a pendant-type repeater and a video tutorial demonstrating how to use the devices. The video included instructions such as how to "slip the metal beads deep into the ear," among other details.
The police are expected to continue efforts to uncover the full extent of what appears to be an organized cheating scheme.
Fourth Arrest in Test Scam
Wang was arrested on suspicion of using another person's name combined with his own photo to forge an exam voucher and take a test at a location in Tokyo's Nerima Ward on March 1.
According to the International Crimes Division, 14 individuals applied to take the exam using the same apartment address in Nakano Ward as the suspect, Wang. Twelve of them are suspected of having taken the exam illegally.
A woman seated beside Wang reportedly asked to change seats, citing disturbance from a nearby noise. Her complaint appears to have triggered an investigation into suspicious activity, ultimately leading to his arrest.
The latest is Wang's fourth arrest, having previously been detained by Tokyo police in May on similar charges. Reports indicate that he has informed investigators of his intention to remain silent.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
(Read this in Japanese)
