A Chinese businessman wanted in his home country for alleged illegal gambling, and whose assets worth over $100 million have been frozen in Britain, has been residing in Japan for the past two years, according to newly obtained records.
Su Jiangbo, identified in British court documents only as “Mr. X” when authorities announced the asset freeze in March, has established a new life in Osaka. He owns two properties in the city and runs a travel and real estate company there, land registries and corporate filings show.
“I chose Japan for its stability, infrastructure, and respect for intellectual property,” Su stated in an email. He described the country as offering “a solid foundation for long-term business growth.”
In the United Kingdom, the Crown Prosecution Service secured freezing orders on 85 of his London properties without initially naming him. Investigative reporting later revealed his identity and how he acquired British real estate through a citizenship-by-investment program in St. Kitts and Nevis.
While Su has not been charged with any crime in the UK, he is actively challenging the freeze. “All funds used were legitimate and fully documented,” he claimed, though he declined to specify the sources, citing the need to preserve “procedural fairness.”
Back in China, authorities in Fujian province have listed him as a fugitive suspect. A public notice from the Datian County Public Security Bureau accuses him of operating a casino—an activity illegal in China except in Macau. Su strongly denies the allegations. “I have instructed my lawyers to handle these baseless claims,” he said.
He moved to Japan in 2024, drawn by opportunities in tourism. “The yen’s fall has created a boom in the sector, opening significant business avenues,” he explained. His company, Tenichi Fuka Ltd, offers luxury travel experiences like Michelin-star dining and spa rituals. Corporate filings show he registered the firm using his Cambodian legal name.
Su insisted there is “no connection” between his Japanese venture and the UK properties under scrutiny. Records indicate he began buying London real estate just before the Chinese wanted list was published in September 2023, eventually accumulating about $108 million in holdings, including a $13 million penthouse with views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In Osaka, his two properties lie close to each other in a suburban area. One house serves as his personal residence. The second, owned by his company, has raised questions due to its link to a man named Hu Xiaowei, who was sanctioned by the US over alleged ties to a Cambodian conglomerate accused of cyber-scams.
Su described Hu as a friend he met in London in 2023. “He frequently visits Osaka but had no fixed address, so I allowed him to use mine temporarily,” Su said. He denied any relationship with the Cambodian group.
Dismissing the Chinese warrant, Su pointed out that the reward offered for his capture was a mere $137. He accused authorities of employing a tactic known as “distant water fishing,” where local governments target wealthy individuals outside their jurisdiction to extract money.
“I believe officials in Datian County, having learned of my financial situation, are using this as a pressure strategy to extort funds,” he alleged.
Investigators continue to examine the full scope of his business dealings across multiple jurisdictions.