British grandfather, 67, who fell for $10m phishing scam faces life in Japanese jail

British grandfather, 67, who fell for $10m phishing scam faces life in Japanese jail after ‘being tricked into smuggling drugs into the country in his luggage’

  • Frank Rodway, 67, found with 2.1 kilograms in luggage when he landed in Japan
  • The grandfather has been in prison for six months and now faces life in prison
  • His daughter Laura claims her father was duped by an email inheritance scam
  • Mr Rodway was told he would be given £8 million inheritance if he flew to Japan

A British grandfather is facing life in prison after drugs were found in his luggage after his plane landed in Japan- but his daughter claims he has been duped by an email inheritance scam.

Frank Rodway took a flight from Mali, West Africa and landed in Tokyo, Japan, where he was found with 2.1 kilograms of amphetamines in his bags.

The 67-year-old from Salford has already been detained for six months and faces life in prison under Japan’s notoriously strict drug laws.

But his daughter Laura said her father has fallen for an email inheritance scam and was persuaded to go to Mali, West Africa and then Japan to collect a large inheritance, where he unwittingly smuggled drugs into the country.

Frank Rodway, pictured with his daughter Laura on her wedding day, 

She told The Sun: ‘Nobody can believe it. He’s the sort of man who likes a pint, looks after his neighbour’s dog and loves his garden. 

‘My dad has diabetes and rarely travels.

‘He’s never been further than Scarborough before and now he’s accused of being an international drug dealer. You can imagine my shock.’

The retired plasterer was convinced to go to Mali by emails claiming he could get an £8 million inheritance ($10.5 million)

The grandfather boarded a plane from Manchester airport, via Casablanca in Morocco, to Mali on August 9 last year to sign the papers to get the windfall.

The 67-year-old, who previously hadn't traveled beyond Scarborough took a number of flights for what he thought was a cash windfall. But the 

The 67-year-old, who previously hadn’t traveled beyond Scarborough took a number of flights for what he thought was a cash windfall. But the 

But when he landed he was told he would need to head further afield to Japan – 7,973 miles away from Mali – to sign important documents

His daughter Laura says that drugs were hidden in his luggage and then he got on a plane to Japan.

When Mr Rodway arrived in Tokyo he was found to be in possession of the drugs and has been incarcerated ever since.

His daughter claims she has seen emails from the gang confirming he has been conned.

Japan has strict anti-drug laws where even possession of minute quantities can lead to jail sentences. 

Mr Rodway is now awaiting a trial date. 

The Foreign Office are thought to be assisting Frank and his family.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk