A senior member of yakuza was recently arrested near Tokyo for allegedly stealing Pokemon cards, shedding light on the challenges faced by Japanese organized crime groups amidst declining membership. This incident is emblematic of a larger trend where unorganized and loosely connected groups, known as 'tokuryu,' are increasingly involved in criminal activities once dominated by yakuza.
These 'tokuryu' groups, comprised of anonymous gangsters and tech-savvy young individuals, are believed to collaborate with yakuza, blurring the lines between them and complicating police investigations. The Tokyo metropolitan police are currently probing a case involving six suspects in their 20s and 30s, who are suspected of being hired through social media to commit a heinous crime.
The yakuza membership has significantly decreased over the years, with only 20,400 members reported last year, a third of what it was two decades ago. This decline has been attributed to legislative measures aimed at combating organized crime, such as restricting certain activities for members of designated groups.
Yakuza, once known for their visible presence and traditional criminal activities, have faced increased scrutiny and legal actions from authorities and communities. The aging of yakuza members, financial challenges, and crackdowns have further weakened the syndicate, leading to a decline in arrests of yakuza members in recent years.
As a result of these developments, younger individuals are turning to 'tokuryu' groups, which operate in a more anonymous and fluid manner, often utilizing social media to carry out various crimes. These groups pose a significant threat to public safety, engaging in activities like swindling, illegal betting, and prostitution.
To address this emerging threat, the National Police Agency has emphasized the need for unified efforts to combat 'tokuryu' groups and enhance cooperation with international authorities. Police chief Yasuhiro Tsuyuki has called for organizational restructuring and collaboration across investigative departments to effectively tackle this new form of organized crime.
In response to the growing cases of swindling via social media, the police have established a joint investigation unit specializing in combating scams on digital platforms. Additionally, increased policing in entertainment districts and measures against juvenile delinquents and motorcycle gangs have been implemented to address the evolving landscape of criminal activities.
