A 39-year-old company executive and others have been arrested on suspicion of submitting false applications for a residence status known as "highly skilled professional" and bringing Chinese nationals into Japan illegally, NHK reported.
The Metropolitan Police Department said the alleged scheme centered on wealthy Chinese people who wanted to move to Japan. About 40 people have been involved so far, according to the report.
The highly skilled professional status is a points-based route that grants preferential treatment, including faster permanent residency, to foreign nationals judged to have advanced skills. Police suspect the applications contained false information about the applicants' backgrounds and qualifications.
NHK did not say how many people were arrested, when the arrests took place, or how the suspects have responded to the allegations.