HOKKAIDO (TR) – Police in Sapporo City have arrested a senior member of a yakuza syndicate for allegedly running an unlicensed pub in the Susukino entertainment district and using underage girls to entertain customers, reports HBC News (Oct. 22).
Masami Sekiya, a 59-year-old executive of the Seiyu-kai — a gang affiliated with the Kobe City-based Yamaguchi-gumi — was taken into custody on October 22 on suspicion of violating the Adult Entertainment Businesses Law.
According to investigators, Sekiya conspired with subordinate gang members to operate a pub in Chuo Ward without the required permits. The group is accused of employing a girl under the age of 18 and having her serve and entertain male patrons.
The arrest follows a police crackdown in January that led to the apprehension of lower-ranking gang members who were managing the day-to-day operations of the venue. Subsequent investigations revealed Sekiya’s involvement in the illegal enterprise, leading to his arrest.
During questioning, the mob boss offered a partial admission regarding his leadership role. “Since my underlings did this, I understand that I also bear responsibility,” Sekiya told investigators. However, he continues to deny the specific allegations of operating without a license and employing a minor.
Police are continuing their investigation, working under the strong suspicion that the pub’s illicit profits were being funneled directly into the syndicate as a major source of funding.