TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested a member of the Yamaguchi-gumi syndicate on suspicion of threatening a restaurant manager in Shibuya Ward’s Dogenzaka district, reports Nippon News Network (Oct. 28).
The suspect, identified as Shogo Minami, allegedly entered the establishment in July and unleashed a string of menacing demands on the manager, according to police.
“I’m with the organization,” he reportedly told the stunned manager. “Who gave you permission to run this place?” and “If you’re going to run a shop like this, there’s a proper way to show respect.”
Police said Minami first approached a staff member outside the restaurant, bellowing “Get me the person in charge,” before cornering the manager and delivering the threats directly.
When questioned by investigators, Minami stonewalled, reportedly stating, “I have nothing to say at this time.”
But police believe the arrest is just the tip of the iceberg. Authorities have received reports of similar shakedown incidents elsewhere in Shibuya Ward and suspect Minami had been running the same racket repeatedly across the district.
Police said the investigation is ongoing as they probe the full extent of the alleged extortion campaign.
