Criminal charges were filed against a person on suspicion of operating an unauthorised worker dispatch business, according to an announcement released 21 September by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

The defendant is described as “sales manager A” of Global Staff Co. Ltd. in the city of Niigata, Japan. Global Staff was established in 2018 and provides permanent placement services for foreigners looking for work in Japan,

An investigation was begun 29 March 2020 by the Niigata Labour Bureau, but the inquiry wasn’t announced publicly over concerns about how the release of information would impact the probe.

The defendant allegedly employed 12 workers and sent them to work under the direction of other companies without first obtaining approval from the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare.

The investigation began after a complaint was filed with the Niigata Higashi Police Station.