The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department (警視庁) has referred two men to prosecutors for allegedly selling registered plant seedlings online without permission. The case began with a search of online listings using ChatGPT.

Case Background

A man living in Ishikawa Prefecture is suspected of listing Shine Muscat (シャインマスカット) seedlings for sale on the internet without authorization and attempting to transfer them to buyers. Shine Muscat is a grape variety popular as a premium fruit.

Investigators entered keywords, including "Shine Muscat" and "listing," into ChatGPT. The tool extracted posts suspected of involving illegal activity. This search led to the identification of the Ishikawa case.

The same method identified the illegal sale of seedlings of a branded variety (ブランドトク). A company employee living in Fukushima Prefecture was also referred to prosecutors for this offense.

Method of Sale

Both men bought their seedlings at a local garden center. They propagated the plants at their homes and sold them online.

Suspects' Statements

During questioning by investigators, both men said they listed the seedlings to earn extra money. They have admitted to the charges.

Ministry Warning

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (農林水産省) warned that propagating and selling registered plant varieties without the permission of the breeder is illegal.