HIROSHIMA (TR) – Hiroshima Prefectural Police on Monday the boss of an organized crime group for extorting adult-entertainment clubs in Hiroshima City, reports the Mainichi Shimbun (Nov. 12).
Officers raided the headquarters of the Masaki-gumi, an affiliate group of the Kyosei-kai, and took top boss Takahiro Masaki, 45, and five other suspects into custody for collecting 100,000 yen in protection money — termed mikajimeryo — from the manager of a “delivery health” out-call sex business.
Under questioning by police, the six suspects have remained silent or denied the allegations.
Between January and July, the Masaki-gumi is believed to have damaged the office and vehicles of one establishment with metal bats and bars on eight occasions in an attempt to collect 50,000 yen.
In 2009, Masaki was also arrested for violating the Anti-Organized Crime Law by receiving money acquired through a fraudulent loan scheme.
