TOKYO (TR) – Just when he thought he was out he pulled himself back in.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a 61-year-old former member of a criminal syndicate for allegedly defrauding a business by pretending to still be a gangster.
Between the end of January this year and early last month, Yoshitsugu Sekine, 61, allegedly collected 300,000 yen in protection money (mikajimeryo) from the owner of a bar in Sumida Ward by pretending to be a member of a criminal organization.
In carrying out the extortion, Sekine claimed that the funds were for the lease of potted plants. As a part of the investigation, police seized about 10 plants.
“Refuse unreasonable demands”
According to police, Sekine was a senior member of the Sumiyoshi-kai criminal syndicate. However, he left the group around October of last year.
When he learned that another member who had been collecting payments from the bar had fallen ill and was no longer able to do so, he allegedly told the owner that he would collect the money on his behalf.
Police believe that Sekine has been collecting a total of 70,000 yen each month in protection money from two bars and a construction company on behalf of members of the same gang since October 2023.
During questioning, Sekine admitted to the charges. He said, “There’s no doubt that I took advantage of the bar’s existing payments and took the money.”
Every December, yakuza members often force bars and other businesses to purchase New Year’s decorations. Police are urging caution. A representative said, “Even if you have a long-standing relationship with them, refuse unreasonable demands and contact the police.”
