Tokyo Court Sentences "Luffy" Crime Ring Member to 20 Years

A Tokyo court delivered a 20-year prison sentence to Tomonobu Kojima, a 47-year-old individual implicated in a crime ring that orchestrated robberies throughout Japan from the Philippines. The group, whose members employed aliases like "Luffy," a character from a popular manga, recruited individuals via social media to carry out the crimes.

Kojima was tried on charges of aiding robberies that resulted in injuries and other offenses, all remotely directed by the group. The trial focused on the extent of Kojima's involvement. During the initial hearing in early July, he admitted to the charges but contested being a senior member, portraying himself as a "handyman."

Prosecutors had requested a 23-year sentence, asserting that Kojima had a significant role in the robberies. Conversely, his defense counsel sought an 11-year sentence, arguing that his participation in the group's criminal activities was limited.

In addition to Kojima, three other senior members of the group have been indicted for allegedly directing their subordinates in eight major robbery cases. The crime ring is suspected of involvement in over 50 cases of robbery, theft, and other crimes across 14 prefectures.

All four men were deported from the Philippines in February 2023. They are suspected of issuing instructions for the eight robberies via the encrypted messaging app Telegram while detained at a Manila immigration facility before their deportation.