Japanese police on alert for return of gang boss

Japanese police are starting intensive monitoring of activity of the country's largest crime syndicate, Yamaguchi-gumi.

Following the release of syndicate leader Kenichi Shinoda from prison in Tokyo on Saturday morning, the 69-year-old man returned to the group's headquarters in Kobe, western Japan.

Shinoda served a 6-year prison term after he was found guilty of giving his bodyguard a gun.

Police say Yamaguchi-gumi effectively controls another criminal group known as Kodo-kai, based in Nagoya, central Japan, as Shinoda comes from that group.

Police warn that Shinoda's return may spur the 2 criminal organizations to expand their influence to wider areas, including Tokyo, through alliances with other criminal groups.
Saturday, April 09, 2011 14:14 +09