Batam. A Japanese national identified as Yasuke Yamazaki has been arrested when sailing off Batam Island heading to the Malaysian border, police said on Thursday.

A further investigation revealed that Yamazaki is being sought by his government for a fraud case.

His arrest occurred after the police water chased a suspicious boat carrying five passengers, including Yamazaki and four Indonesian migrant workers, said Syafrudin Semidang Sakti, a senior officer with the Barelang District Police.

During the interrogation, Yamazaki couldn’t show his passport and other travel documents. He told interrogators that he has been illegally staying in Indonesia for the last three years, Syafrudin said.

The suspect has moved residences many times to evade detection during his stay, he added.

Police handed Yamazaki to the Batam immigration office where it was learned that he is being sought by the Japanese authorities for a 4 billion yen ($26.5 million) fraud case. Yamazaki also appears on the Interpol wanted list.

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