TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have referred a 49-year-old member of the comedy trio Wagaya to prosecutors on suspicion of shoplifting groceries from a supermarket, reports Fuji News Network (Oct. 14).
Hiroyuki Sugiyama is accused of stealing seven food items, including sausages, at a supermarket in Meguro Ward on September 15. His case was forwarded to prosecutors on Wednesday.
During questioning, Sugiyama admitted to the allegations, citing financial anxiety as his motive.
“My income has decreased recently and I became anxious. I wanted to hold onto my money,” he reportedly told police.
According to investigators, the theft came to light when Sugiyama was using a self-checkout register and placed merchandise directly into his bag without scanning the barcodes. The act was captured on the store’s security cameras, prompting an employee to confront the comedian.
Sugiyama had previously been hospitalized in late July due to poor health. He was later discharged and had recently returned to his entertainment activities, including live comedy performances.