【独自撮影】関西空港で多発する無許可の違法タクシー“白タク”　中国籍の女逮捕　「自家用車に不特定多数の旅行客を乗せて京都市内のホテルまで送迎した疑い」　摘発の一部始終

A Chinese woman has been arrested and indicted on suspicion of operating an illegal taxi service, commonly known as a "white taxi," at Kansai International Airport without a license. The arrested suspect, Xie Yutong (37), a Chinese national, is suspected of conspiring with others to transport an unspecified number of tourists in her private car from Kansai International Airport to hotels in Kyoto, effectively operating a "white taxi." ■Amidst a line of cars…Investigators stop a car carrying Chinese tourists as it begins to move Our reporting team covered the entire operation at Kansai International Airport. At 8:00 AM on July 7th, many cars were lined up in the general traffic lanes, making it difficult to distinguish the "white taxis" at first glance. At 1:45 PM, Xie's car was stopped by investigators as it began to move with two Chinese tourists inside. When the investigators examined the smartphone shown by the passenger, they saw the words "Kansai Airport Transfer" in addition to place names from various parts of Japan. The amount written on it was "910 yuan" (approximately 20,000 yen). ■ Suspect Xie admits to charges, stating "I've done this dozens of times since last autumn." [Investigator] "Was the payment made when you got in the car or after?" [Interpreter] "He said he planned to pay after arrival." [Investigator] "This time, it was only for transportation, and did it not include options such as a guide?" [Interpreter] "Yes, that's correct." During questioning, suspect Xie admitted to the charges, stating that he had done this dozens of times since last autumn. ■ Insufficient maintenance of "unlicensed taxis" and poor health management of drivers "Unlicensed taxis" have been rampant for about 10 years, posing a potential danger to tourists due to insufficient vehicle maintenance and poor health management of drivers. Last year, there was a case of illegal operation where a vehicle licensed as a care taxi was used to transport tourists, demonstrating the increasing sophistication of the methods. Police and other authorities are strengthening measures, including directly warning foreign tourists. (Kansai TV "news runner," broadcast July 23, 2026)