A Chinese couple was arrested in Japan following a phishing operation that utilized a computer hidden behind a hotel room refrigerator. The device was connected to the hotel Wi-Fi on 15 May 2025 and sent approximately 480 000 fraudulent emails. The machine contained a database of 2.4 million email addresses and was managed remotely to avoid physical maintenance.
The scheme was uncovered after a recipient of a phishing email contacted the hotel. Staff identified the hotel IP address in the message metadata and discovered the hidden hardware. The emails were designed to impersonate credit card companies and direct victims to fake websites to steal financial data.
Authorities are investigating the suspects, identified as Ye and Shen, for additional fraudulent activities. Police discovered 74 smartphones at their residence. Reports indicate the pair had spent ¥10 million, equivalent to approximately $63 000, using stolen credit card information since 2024.