TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested two male executives of the Yamaguchi-gumi criminal syndicate for allegedly attempting to extort protection money from the owner of an adult entertainment parlor, reports TBS News (Feb. 26).
According to police, Yuichi Isaka, 58, and Yuta Noto, 40, are suspected of surrounding the male owner of the parlor in Taito Ward last November and demanding mikajimeryo, or protection money.
“This is our territory,” one of the suspects said. “We’re in this industry, so we have to talk things out.”
The two suspects denied the charges during questioning. Isaka said, “I never asked him to pay protection money.” Noda commented, “I was there, but I don’t remember the conversation.”
Isaka is suspected of operating under the name Asai. Police are now investigating whether there have been any other similar cases.
