Fake troops loot earthquake-hit homes in Japan’s Kumamoto

In Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, men in military fatigues resembling those worn by the Ground Self-Defence Forces (SDF) are allegedly carrying out burglaries in evacuated communities following a devastating earthquake last month. An official from the prefectural government acknowledged reports of "fake SDF personnel" attempting to enter properties in the affected areas, but emphasized that their priority remains providing shelter, food, and medical care to those who lost their homes.

The government is uncertain about the number of reports and the specific towns impacted. Residents have been warned to remain vigilant towards strangers, even those who appear to be military personnel assisting with search and recovery efforts. Since the disaster, around 5,100 SDF personnel have been deployed to the region, initially focused on rescuing trapped individuals and later on transporting relief supplies, medical support, and providing care facilities.

They have also been conducting searches for missing persons. At least 350 people were injured, with 39 confirmed deaths, and over 390 aftershocks, many powerful, have been recorded. More than 1,287 homes collapsed, with 30,894 sustaining varying degrees of damage, and 4,600 commercial and industrial properties were affected, with losses estimated at 117.6 billion yen (US$739 million).

Similar accusations of impostor SDF members looting have been made following previous earthquakes, including the magnitude 7.6 Noto earthquake in January 2024, which resulted in 732 deaths. Residents have set up neighborhood watch patrols and additional police officers have been dispatched to the region to address these concerns.