The Bank of Okinawa announced on Dec. 26 that one of their employees was caught using customers’ credits cards for unauthorized cash loans. He was dismissed on disciplinary grounds on Dec. 16.

According to the banks’ internal investigation, the employee had applied for credit card loans on two customers’ credit cards and then used the cards to withdraw a total of ¥2 million. He also used three other credit cards that customers had requested to cancel. He continued to use the cards until July this year.

In November one of the customers discovered the unauthorized use of his card even though he had cancelled it, and complained to he bank. An investigation ensued and the wrongdoing was discovered.

When questioned about his motives, the former employee reportedly said, “I was helping family members who were in need of financial help.”

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