Tokyo police have arrested a 54-year-old former taxi driver, Satoshi Tanaka, on suspicion of drugging and raping a female passenger. Authorities fear Tanaka may have sexually assaulted up to 50 women, based on digital evidence recovered during the probe. Over 3,000 videos and images of the alleged crimes have been found.

The latest arrest stems from an incident in July 2023, when Tanaka allegedly gave sleeping pills to a woman in her 20s while she was riding in his taxi. Police say she lost consciousness, after which Tanaka took her to his home and sexually assaulted her. The act was reportedly filmed without consent. The victim was later identified through a video found on Tanaka’s seized smartphone. Forensic tests on the woman’s hair confirmed traces of sedatives.

Devices Reveal Shocking Pattern Of Abuse

According to a report by Tokyo Reporter, police uncovered a vast collection of explicit material on Tanaka’s smartphones and other devices. The footage reportedly shows Tanaka committing sexual assaults in various locations, including inside his taxi and at his residence. Authorities believe the victims were all female passengers, many of whom may still be unaware that they were filmed and assaulted.

The estimated number of victims currently stands at around 50, although the investigation is ongoing. Officers are now reviewing every piece of footage to identify potential victims and are appealing to the public for information.

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Previous Arrest Hinted At Larger Crimes

Tanaka was previously arrested in October 2023 for allegedly drugging a teenage girl and stealing her belongings. That incident led to a temporary release while further investigations were conducted. It was during this extended probe that police discovered the disturbing scale of his activities.

The victim in the most recent case came to light only after her video was located during a forensic sweep.Tanaka has denied the charges. During questioning, he reportedly told police that he “doesn’t remember” the events. He is currently facing charges related to non-consensual sexual intercourse and illegal filming under Japan’s Act on the Punishment of Filming Sexual Acts.

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