PHILIPPINES (TR) — Authorities here have detained two Japanese members of the notorious Luffy and JP Dragon crime syndicates that carry out telecom fraud operations targeting victims in Japan, reports TV Asahi (Apr. 17).
Masayuki Aoyagi, 52, and Taiki Sato, 34, were apprehended in separate locations within the Philippine capital on Thursday. The Philippine Bureau of Immigration officially announced their capture on Friday.
Aoyagi is believed to be affiliated with JP Dragon, a Philippines-based criminal syndicate established by former members of Japanese yakuza organizations.
Meanwhile, Sato is suspected of being an active member of the Luffy crime ring, a ruthless group whose ringleaders directed a string of high-profile, violent robberies and special fraud scams across Japan from behind bars.
According to authorities, outstanding arrest warrants had already been issued for both men in Japan in connection with their roles in orchestrating and executing special fraud operations.
The two suspects are currently being held at a Philippine immigration detention facility. Authorities are making arrangements for their swift deportation to Japan, where they will be handed over to police to face criminal charges.
