Key Takeaways:
- Sho ‘BlackRay’ Hasegawa has been arrested for alleged kidnapping, coercion, and assault in Tokyo.
- CAG Osaka has officially withdrawn from the 2025 APAC North Playoffs, losing potential SI Points.
- BlackRay has been removed from the team roster, and a replacement has not yet been announced.
Sho ‘BlackRay’ Hasegawa Faces Serious Criminal Charges
CAG Osaka’s star Rainbow Six Siege player Sho ‘BlackRay’ Hasegawa has been arrested by Tokyo Metropolitan Police on charges of kidnapping, coercion, and assault, according to local reports. Hasegawa and six other individuals were detained on July 16, 2025, for allegedly detaining and extorting a man in his thirties, reportedly tied to a construction project.
Japanese news outlet Jiji Press released images of Hasegawa entering a police station, accompanied by co-suspects. The report claims the group inflicted physical harm on the victim, including the use of boiling water and a hammer, while allegedly demanding approximately ¥2 million (~£10,000).
Also read: Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition Sells 100K Copies in 48 Hours, Dominates Steam Charts
CAG Osaka Withdraws from APAC North Playoffs
In response to the unfolding situation, CAG Osaka announced its immediate withdrawal from the Rainbow Six Asia Pacific League 2025 Stage 1 North Playoffs, which were scheduled for July 20.
“We regret to inform you that we will be withdrawing from the Asia Pacific League 2025 Stage 1 APAC North Playoffs scheduled for this weekend,” the team stated on social media.
This sudden move eliminates the team’s opportunity to compete for a spot in the upcoming Esports World Cup and forfeits any SI Points that contribute toward qualification for the prestigious Six Invitational.
BlackRay Removed from Ubisoft Roster
On July 18, Ubisoft’s official esports roster page reflected the removal of BlackRay from CAG Osaka’s lineup. The team has yet to announce a replacement, leaving questions about the organization’s short-term competitive future.
Prior to this incident, CAG Osaka had shown strong form, finishing second at RE:L0:AD 2025 in May. The team’s promising trajectory now faces significant disruption.
What’s Next for CAG Osaka and Rainbow Six Esports?
With a key player removed and tournament eligibility affected, CAG Osaka’s path forward in Rainbow Six esports is uncertain. The organization has not issued further comments regarding Hasegawa’s status or the timeline for roster rebuilding.
This high-profile arrest has rocked the Japanese esports scene and cast a shadow over Rainbow Six Siege’s competitive ecosystem, especially with the Six Invitational 2026 qualification period underway
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
