Sapporo Employment Support Agency Executive Referred to Prosecutors Over False Disability Claims

By Barrier Free Japan

April 12 2026

SAPPORO – TBS reported on April 10th that Masamichi Sone (58), the representative of a company operating facilities such as “Rapport” in Nishi Ward, Sapporo, has been arrested and referred to prosecutors.

Sone is suspected of repeatedly submitting false applications to Sapporo City between 2022 and 2025, claiming to have provided employment support services for persons with disabilities despite not having appointed a qualified managing supervisor as required. He allegedly defrauded the city of approximately ¥35 million in benefit payments.

In November 2025, Sone was arrested in a separate case involving benefit fraud at another disability support facility, but was not indicted. Authorities say that the current allegations came to light during the course of that investigation.