China confirms 35 Japanese nationals detained for fraud

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang [Photo: fmprc.gov.cn]

China confirmed Wednesday that 35 Japanese nationals have been detained on suspicion of fraud.

"The 35 Japanese nationals were detained by local police for alleged involvement in fraud on June 30," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a regular news briefing.

China has notified Japan in accordance with the consular agreement between the two countries, Geng said.

Media reports said the suspects were detained in the southeast Chinese province of Fujian and were allegedly involved in telephone scams targeting residents in Japan.