Notification to Foreign Residents Following the Revision of the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds

Regarding the above matter, the National Police Agency, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), has requested that this information be shared.

The Act Partially Amending the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds (Act No. 34 of 2026; hereinafter referred to as the "Amended Act") came into effect on July 10 of this year with respect to the increased penalties for the unauthorized transfer of bankbooks and other deposit account documents.

It has been observed that a certain number of foreign nationals residing in Japan who have been arrested for the unauthorized transfer of bankbooks and related offenses are international students. In light of this situation, the awareness materials have been revised as attached, including information on the increased penalties under the Amended Act.

Please review the attached materials and ensure that you do not transfer, sell, or purchase bank accounts, cash cards, or bankbooks to or from other persons.