AICHI (TR) – Aichi Prefectural Police believe mistaken identity caused eight members of the Yamaguchi-gumi organized crime group to assault a 49-year-old male who had come to view one of the gang’s offices in Nagoya last week, reports NHK (Mar. 18).
At approximately noon on March 17, Meiji Tanaka, 53, and seven other gang members are alleged to have grabbed the man, a passenger of a vehicle, in front of the head office of the Kodo-kai, an affiliate gang of the Yamaguchi-gumi.
Just prior to the incident, the vehicle, which was carrying three other people, had slowed down near the headquarters, which is located in Nakamura Ward. Some of the gang members then shouted, “What are you doing here?”
The victim is not affiliated with a criminal syndicate. He told police that his purpose for being in the vicinity of the headquarters was sightseeing. “I have an interest so decided to take a look,” he is quoted.
All eight suspects have refused to comment on the allegations.
In recent weeks, various offices of the Yamaguchi-gumi across the country have been targeted in attacks as a part of a feud with the rival Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi. Police suspect that the gang members mistakenly thought the victim was a threat connected to the ongoing dispute.
