Kurumada Sues Former Manager Over Alleged $20M Crypto Investments
Japanese manga artist Masami Kurumada is suing his former manager for allegedly diverting $19.6 million from his companies between 2018 and 2024. The lawsuit, filed with the Tokyo District Court on September 2, claims that approximately $20 billion yen (around $180 million) was lost through unauthorized transfers and diverted licensing payments.
Kurumada's former manager had been entrusted with accounting, editorial work, and administrative duties for years. According to Kurumada's lawyers, the manager has acknowledged taking the funds but claimed he did so with Kurumada's interests in mind and without malicious intent.
The diverted money is believed to have been used for cryptocurrency investments, although no specific details on which cryptocurrencies were purchased or how much was invested are available. The lawsuit seeks $20 million in damages from the former manager, his relatives, acquaintances, and other parties involved.