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Tokyo cops nab yakuza in extortion plot over demolition work

Taizo Inada
Taizo Inada

TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested an organized crime member for allegedly threatening a construction employee over a demolition project, reports TV Asahi (July 15).

In January, Taizo Inada, a 47-year-old upper-level member of a gang affiliated with the Sumiyoshi-kai, allegedly made threats in demanding 6.9 million yen from a 72-year-old worker over a delay of several weeks in the demolition of a building in Taito Ward.

Police also arrested two other persons in the case. Inada, who has been charged with attempted extortion, denies the charges, telling police he does not recall the incident.

The suspect made the alleged threats inside a restaurant in Nakano Ward. “Compensation must be paid due to the delay, and I have to shoulder that amount,” the suspect falsely claimed. “You must know what I’m talking about, and I don’t know what will happen next.”

Inada is a member of the Kimoto-gumi, which is based in Shinjuku Ward.