Unbanked, a gold dealing firm listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, reported on August 2 that it incurred losses exceeding 1.3 billion yen from gold trading, as outlined in an investigation report by external lawyers. The report indicated that the fundamental issue was the company's reliance on a major shareholder, Akatsuki Capital Works, whose operations were shrouded in ambiguity, alongside inadequate verification of business partners. The controversial transactions involved the introduction of suppliers and buyers by a representative sent from Akatsuki, resulting in significant financial losses due to non-payment from buyers.

According to the report, internal regulations mandated credit checks prior to initiating deferred payment transactions, a procedure that was apparently neglected by the company's officials. A former employee connected to the transactions claimed that the trading process was initiated by one of Akatsuki's owners, who also facilitated the introduction of the counterparties. This employee, however, deleted LINE messages that could have provided evidence and refused to disclose the name of the owner involved in the dealings.

Additionally, Akatsuki has expressed a loss of confidence in the current management of Unbanked, stating through a document dated January 28 that it is "impossible to entrust the management" to them, and has called for a change in executives. Despite outreach attempts for comment by Akatsuki, there had been no responses by the deadline of August 2. The implications of this incident could affect the reputation and governance of Unbanked significantly, raising concerns over financial oversight and shareholder influence in corporate decision-making.