Arab News Japan

TOKYO: YouTuber and former politician HIGASHITANI Yoshikazu, widely known as GaaSyy, was arrested on his return to Japan Sunday after his self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates.

 

The Metropolitan Police Department previously issued an arrest warrant for Higashitani, who is alleged to have threatened three celebrities in videos posted on YouTube last year. 

 

After learning that the police were investigating his activities, Higashitani fled to Dubai. The Japanese government refused to issue him a new passport and police were sent to the UAE as part of their investigation.

 

Higashitani was elected to the Upper House last July but was heavily criticized for failing to attend any parliamentary sessionsand he was eventually kicked out of parliament.

 

At around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, GaaSyy appeared at the arrival gate, wearing a blue T-shirt, white shorts, and sandals, and was served with an arrest warrant.

 

In April he was placed on an international wanted list through the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO).