Nagano Social Welfare Corporation Fires Staff Member for Embezzling Over 6.7 Million Yen from Resident Deposits

From NHK

September 25 2026

NAGANO – Rindou Shinanokai, a social welfare corporation operating support facilities for individuals with disabilities across six locations in Nagano Prefecture, including Komagane City, has disciplinarily dismissed a staff member for embezzling over 6.7 million yen (approx. $45,000 USD) entrusted by facility residents.

According to the corporation, the male employee in his 50s, who worked at a support facility in the prefecture, embezzled a total of over 6.7 million yen from the deposited funds of 12 residents over roughly nine years, from February 2017 to March of this year. He operated by submitting forged receipts to make it appear as though he was making authorized purchases on behalf of the residents.

In March of this year, another staff member grew suspicious after noticing multiple identical items listed on receipts in the account books. Upon checking with the retail stores, it was discovered that more than 200 receipts had been forged.

During internal questioning, the employee admitted to the embezzlement, explaining that he used the stolen money for food, drinks, and repaying consumer loan debts. The organization formally terminated his employment at the end of June.

Although the former staff member has fully reimbursed the misappropriated funds, the corporation is considering filing a formal police report.

Acknowledging that internal regulations requiring a second staff member to verify proxy purchases were not being observed, Rindou Shinanokai stated it will strictly enforce these rules and set up a review committee including external members to devise preventative measures.

In an official statement, the corporation said: “We deeply apologize to the victims and their families. We are committed to implementing preventative measures, strengthening our management system, and working to restore trust.”