Police seek Tokyo hotel manager suspected of sex assault

Japanese police have obtained an arrest warrant for the Spanish former general manager of the Grand Hyatt Tokyo on suspicion he sexually assaulted a female customer.

Officers want to question Antonio Alvarez, 45, over an incident alleged to have occurred at the prestigious luxury hotel where suites can cost around US$5,000 a night, in the glitzy nightlife district of Roppongi. He is not currently believed to be in Japan.

Alvarez is suspected of assaulting the woman, in her 20s, in a toilet at the hotel in May, just five months after he assumed the role of general manager, Kyodo News reported, citing unnamed police sources.

After the alleged incident was reported, Alvarez visited a police station where he denied the claim. A police DNA test appeared to indicate sexual activity involving the woman had taken place.

Private broadcaster TBS said Alvarez - who said "no comment" when questioned by its reporter - had told police he had only directed the woman to the lavatory.

Police sources said Alvarez had left Japan but would be arrested if he returned.