In a story reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, three elderly men with a combined age of 227 have become Japan’s latest criminal sensation. Hideo Umino, 88, Hidemi Matsuda, 70, and Kenichi Watanabe, 69, met in prison and, upon release, turned to burglary.
Dubbed “G3S” by police, the trio targeted unoccupied homes in Hokkaido. Their crimes, though modest in haul, have captured public imagination due to their advanced age and audacity.
Meeting in prison
The unlikely partnership began behind bars, where the men formed their bond. Their criminal activities, however, only came to light after their release. The trio’s first known heist took place in May when they broke into an empty house in Sapporo. Despite their efforts, they managed to steal only 200 yen and three bottles of whisky.
Continued criminal activity
Undeterred by their modest loot, the gang struck again in June, this time stealing 24 pieces of jewelry worth one million yen from another vacant residence. Their audacious attempts and advanced ages have turned them into a viral sensation, sparking widespread interest and amusement.
As the news of their activities spread, the “grandpa gang” has captured the public’s imagination, becoming a symbol of unexpected criminality. Their story highlights the unusual profiles and motivations that can underpin criminal activities, even in later life.