Unmasking the Elusive Fugitive: Is Yoichi Hatta the Modern-Day Thief of Nagoya

Suspect Yoichi Hatta is still on the run after hitting and injuring two university students with his car on June 29, 2022 in Beppu city, Oita Prefecture. He is wanted by the National Police Agency.

In November 2024, reports of sightings of suspect Hatta became a hot topic on X. The trigger was security camera videos and still images posted on SNS “threads”. Many people pointed out that the man who allegedly burglarized the house resembled Hatta in appearance.

“Regent Detective” is similar to Yoichi Hatta

The video was posted on November 1 by an acquaintance at the restaurant in Nagoya City after a burglary had occurred. The photo was taken recently, on October 26th. As of November 3, there have been no reports of the offender’s arrest.

This video was circulated on X. Many say it resembles suspect Hatta. Hiroyasu Akiyama, former inspector of the First Investigation Division of the Tokushima Prefecture Police, known by the nickname “Detective Regent”, wrote in X of 2: “He looks like Yoichi Hatta.”

In September 2023, the National Police Agency placed Hatta on the wanted list on suspicion of a road accident in violation of the Road Traffic Act. The accident occurred one year and three months ago. Two university students on motorcycles were hit by a light vehicle at an intersection in the city of Beppu, resulting in death and injuries. Suspect Hatta fled the scene. Two years and four months have already passed since that day.

The Oita Prefectural Police Headquarters released a photograph of suspect Hatta, as well as a masked portrait of him with changes such as his hairstyle. Additionally, a special reward for investigations of up to 3 million yen has been set. The “Association for Early Resolution” also offered a reward of up to 5 million yen, bringing the total to 8 million yen.