April Search Uncovers Tens of Millions of Yen at Koshigaya Home of Aum Shinrikyo Founder’s Widow and Successor Son

In April 2025, Saitama Prefectural Police conducted a search of an apartment in Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture, shared by the widow and second son of Chizuo Matsumoto, the late founder of the now-defunct Aum Shinrikyo cult, also known as Shoko Asahara. During the search, authorities uncovered tens of millions of yen in cash. The second son is reportedly considered one of the successors to the cult's leadership, raising concerns among public security officials. The discovery of such a large sum of money at the residence is viewed as unusual and has prompted ongoing vigilance by law enforcement regarding the activities of the cult's successor group, Aleph, which may be led by Matsumoto's second son.