Police in Okayama Prefecture said Saturday they have arrested a 42-year-old unemployed man of no fixed address on suspicion of stealing approximately 650 bunches of grapes worth an estimated 1.43 million yen from a local greenhouse.
The suspect, identified as Masakazu Maeda, has previously been indicted in a separate grape theft case. He has partially denied the latest allegation, with police quoting him as saying he did not believe the number of bunches taken was as high as 650, based on his recollection.
Investigators suspect Maeda stole Shine Muscat and other grape varieties from the greenhouse between approximately 7 a.m. on Aug 4 and 6 a.m. the following day. Police said he told them he sold the grapes through online flea market and auction platforms to cover living expenses.