Phantom Menace: Decade-Long Hoax Bomb Threats Terrorize Asia

In the past 13 years, a series of bomb threats bearing the name of Japanese lawyer Takahiro Karasawa have plagued multiple Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. Despite the threats, no actual bombs have been found, and Mr. Karasawa has stated he has no involvement in these incidents.

Authorities have made several arrests in connection with the threats, but the messages have continued to pour in, causing widespread panic, evacuations, and investigations. As of November 2025, the perpetrator's identity remains unknown, and the threats show no signs of stopping.

Just last month, several schools and malls in Seoul, South Korea, were evacuated after receiving faxed threats. An email was also sent to Ajou University, claiming bombs had been planted across the campus. While no explosives were discovered, the threats have caused significant disruption and consumed law enforcement resources.

Experts warn that these hoax threats cannot be dismissed as mere pranks, as they "paralyze public institutions, schools and public facilities, and they result in excessive consumption of law enforcement resources." The authorities in South Korea have opened an international investigation, seeking help from Japanese and U.S. law enforcement agencies, as well as Interpol, to track down the perpetrator.

Despite the ongoing efforts, the bomb threats bearing Mr. Karasawa's name continue to spread across the region, leaving authorities and the public alike on edge. The Japanese lawyer has expressed hope that the impersonator will be caught and severely punished for the harm caused by these relentless hoaxes.