Osaka med professional seeks advice after ¥84 million in payments to yakuza

OSAKA (TR) – A medical professional has sought assistance from prefectural police under anti-gang ordinances after he paid 84 million yen to an organized crime group over a three-year period, it was learned on Monday, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Feb. 9).

Between March of 2011 and September of last year the man paid two million yen each month in yojimbo (protection) fees and 8.4 million yen in accommodation charges, including that for use of hotel rooms, to a senior member of the Inagawa-kai.

“If there is a problem we will solve it,” the victim was told by the gang member, according to police.

The man was introduced to the gang by an acquaintance. “I thought using the power of the Inagawa-kai would be good for business,” he said.

On the basis of the Anti-Organized Crime Law, prefectural police requested that the man to cease payments of the protection fees.