TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 40-year-old organized crime member for attempted blackmail of a club, reports TV Asahi (Sep. 3).
On July 30, Yasuji Motohashi, a member of the Inagawa-kai, explained to the female manager of a Philippine hostess club that her establishment was inside his territory. He also said that he is entitled to receive payment known as mikajimeryo, or protection money.
The following day, the suspect accosted the woman in the street and threatened her.
Motohashi denies the allegations. “I was only providing a warning. I don’t recall making any threats,” the suspect is quoted by police.
Police suspect that Motohashi has been working with fellow gang members in committing similar crimes in the area, according to NHK (Sep. 3).
