Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a 29-year-old woman accused of forcing her 12-year-old daughter to work at a massage parlour in central Tokyo. The case has sparked coordinated action among law enforcement agencies in Thailand, Japan, and Taiwan, highlighting the seriousness of child exploitation crimes and the international effort required to address them.
The Criminal Court approved the warrant on Monday after receiving a petition from Thailand’s Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division. The woman faces several charges tied to human trafficking and the exploitation of a minor, offences that carry potential prison terms of up to 20 years.
The situation came to light in mid-September when the girl approached the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau to seek help. She reported that her mother had left her at a massage parlour in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward in late June. According to authorities, the girl described being made to work under harsh conditions for about a month before she managed to reach officials.
Japanese police launched an investigation, resulting in the arrest of two suspects linked to the parlour. Masayuki Hosono, the 51-year-old owner, was taken into custody for employing a minor and violating labour regulations. A Thai employee, identified as Kritayaporn, was also arrested for immigration and employment-related offences. Japanese authorities confirmed that the child is now under protective care and receiving support.
Meanwhile, the girl’s mother was detained on November 8 in New Taipei City, Taiwan, for breaching local immigration and employment laws. She is currently being held by Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency. Officials from Japan and Taiwan are working together to process the extradition so she can face prosecution in Japan. If the process cannot be completed within the required timeframe, she will instead be returned to Thailand to face charges already filed there, including human trafficking and procuring a minor for exploitation.
National police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch has directed Deputy Commissioner-General Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelabutr to coordinate closely with Japanese and Taiwanese authorities. Their shared priorities include maintaining evidence integrity and ensuring the continued safety of the child.
A joint task force has also been formed involving the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Interpol. The task force will focus on addressing broader trafficking networks, signalling a broader commitment to combating child exploitation.
On Sunday, the girl’s grandmother sought assistance from the Pavena Foundation, a well-known Thai organisation dedicated to supporting women and children in crisis. Pavena Hongsakula, the foundation’s chairwoman, reassured the public that international agencies had confirmed the child’s safety and that she is being cared for.
This case underscores the importance of swift, coordinated international action in protecting vulnerable minors. Authorities across all three countries have pledged continued cooperation to ensure justice is served and the child receives the support she needs.
