The assistant inspector, 43, has been accused of violating government employee laws regarding confidentiality for providing information related to investigations to members of the Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan’s largest gang, on dozens of occasions. Investigators intend to question the assistant inspector over the allegations.
In 2012, officers were working to arrest members of the gang on assault charges. The assistant inspector, who was working in the anti-organized crime division, is alleged to have contacted a 50-year-old boss in the gang to convey information on the cases.
In April of last year, the assistant inspector changed divisions within the Wakayama Prefectural Police but remained in contact with the gang boss.
Police became aware of the matter following the arrest of the gang boss in October of last year. The suspect was alleged to have received revenue from gambling operations run at game centers. During questioning of the gang boss, who is currently under prosecution, the communications with the assistant inspector came to light.
Officers have subsequently carried out searches of the home of the assistant inspector and removed documents.
