On the 20th, the Kanagawa Prefectural Police reported that an investigation revealed 2716 traffic violations were improperly processed, resulting in the cancellation of fines amounting to approximately 34.57 million yen. Seven officers from the second traffic unit were sent for prosecution due to suspected falsification of traffic tickets and investigation records. Police Chief Takashi Imamura publicly apologized for the incident, acknowledging the significant inconvenience caused to the public and the trust lost in the police force. Furthermore, 19 individuals in total faced disciplinary actions, including the expulsion of a senior officer, and corrective measures have been put in place.

The investigation disclosed that between March 2022 and December 2024, the involved officers had written false information on traffic tickets and fabricated circumstances in reports to make it appear that they had been present at the scenes of the violations. This misconduct included failing to maintain an appropriate distance between vehicles during speed checks, which is essential for accurately measuring speed and confirming violations.

In light of these findings, the police have established a dedicated team of approximately 290 personnel to contact affected individuals and assist them in rectifying their situations. They have also set up a 24-hour consultation hotline for inquiries related to the improper violations, ensuring that those wronged can receive the support needed to address their legal standings and regain their driving privileges.