Tomonobu Kojima, Senior 'Luffy' Crime Group Member, Admits Role in Japan Robberies; 23-Year Sentence Sought

A senior member of the Philippines-based "Luffy" crime group, Tomonobu Kojima, 47, admitted to charges during his initial trial at the Tokyo District Court. Kojima was indicted for recruiting perpetrators in a series of widespread robberies and special fraud cases in Japan, including incidents in Inagi City and Tokorozawa. He was identified as the organization's number two and acted as a recruiter, bringing in about ten individuals to carry out the robberies. The trial marked the first hearing of four executives forcibly repatriated from the Philippines. Prosecutors have sought a 23-year prison sentence for Kojima, citing his role in facilitating the crimes and causing public alarm. Testimonies during the trial described Kojima as a key figure controlling the group through fear. The court is scheduled to deliver its verdict on July 23.