Life Sentence for Senior Member of ‘Luffy’ Crime Ring
Tokyo District Court on Monday sentenced Toshiya Fujita, 41, a senior member of a Japanese crime ring led by individuals known as “Luffy” in the Philippines, to life in prison. The group is responsible for a series of high-profile robberies and other crimes across Japan.
Fujita is the second of four arrested senior members of the ring to receive a sentence. The court’s decision aligned with the demands of public prosecutors, reflecting the severity of the crimes committed.
According to the ruling, Fujita was involved in a total of ten robbery cases – seven in Tokyo and three in other prefectures – between October 2022 and January 2023. The crimes culminated in the death of a 90-year-old woman during a robbery in Komae, Tokyo.
The trial centered on determining Fujita’s level of responsibility for the crimes, specifically whether he could be considered a co-principal. Presiding Judge Sakon Togari concluded that Fujita “played an essential role for the organization’s profit.” The judge’s assessment was based on testimonies from individuals under Fujita’s instruction and other evidence presented during the proceedings.
The court rejected Fujita’s claim that he did not instruct the assault on the victim in the Komae case. Evidence indicated that Fujita controlled subordinates by evaluating their capabilities, effectively directing their actions for the benefit of the criminal enterprise.
The court determined that Fujita was a co-principal, stating he “carried out his own duties for the common interest of the organization.” Judge Togari described the robberies as a new type of organized crime, carried out remotely, and noted the significant anxiety the crimes created within Japanese society.
The “Luffy” crime ring operated using monikers inspired by the popular manga character, according to reports. The group allegedly orchestrated robberies from the Philippines, dispatching members to carry out crimes in Japan.
This sentencing follows the July 2025 conviction of Tomonobu Kojima, 48, another senior member of the ring, who received a 20-year prison sentence for his role in planning the robberies and recruiting participants. Kojima has appealed that ruling.
Trials are pending for the remaining two indicted members of the group: Yuki Watanabe and Kiyoto Imamura, both 41. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in combating transnational crime organized through remote control and the severe consequences for those involved in such activities.
