TOKYO (TR) — Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a gang boss affiliated with the Yamaguchi-gumi criminal syndicate and two other men after they allegedly threatened a bar owner in Setagaya Ward for “protection money,” reports TBS News (Apr. 23).
According to police, Toma Sato, 44, a gang boss based in Itabashi Ward, and his two accomplices — identified as gang member Yohei Toyama, 42, and Taki Kadota, 48 — were taken into custody for demanding mikajimeryo (protection money) from a the bar in Sangenjaya.
The incident took place between 10:00 p.m. on November 5 and midnight on November 6 of last year. The suspects allegedly confronted the bar’s representative, a man in his 30s, issuing a series of threats to intimidate him into paying.
“I’ll make it so you can’t do business starting tomorrow,” Sato allegedly told the victim. “This isn’t a game. There’s no way this bar is the only one getting away with paying ‘zero.’ I absolutely won’t forgive you.”
Upon his arrest on suspicion of extortion, Sato refused to answer questions, stating, “I will remain completely silent until my lawyer arrives.”
According to police, the suspects were identified through security camera footage from the area.
Investigators revealed that the yakuza members attempted to bargain with the owner when they were met with resistance about making payments, progressively lowering their demands like a discount.
“150,000 yen is fine. 100,000 yen is fine too. If you don’t have it, 70,000 yen,” they reportedly said.
However, the owner stood his ground, firmly refusing their demands and paying no money.
Police are currently pursuing a fourth man believed to be involved in the extortion attempt.
