crime

U.S. moves to isolate Japanese, Russian crime groups

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hope it dosn't hurt wall st.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

They may have already donated to congressmen.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Most people will blow this off but I can't get a movie online anymore (FBI) so I guess they stopped me. DC will make waves and good but they will only dent these guys. We have learned to live with them and use them. As long as the public here has the appetite for gambling, porn, hostess clubs and drugs (yes this exists), they will always be here. Once the smut mags in the conbini slowly come off the shelves at kids height I will see action of tax dollars clamping down on the goons (Uncle Sam and Taro). The FAMILY MART next to me is...100% family. Booze 24hrs, wall to wall tobacco, porn mags in the open (ok a piece of tape/seal)....we even have our very own Jay & Silent Bob peddling hookers out front (in the wee hrs) and I even get my weekly oil massage flyers with nude teens in my mansion post box. Gee... I ponder...is AKB mobbed up?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Doing what Japan can't seem to do.

7 ( +9 / -4 )

Doing what Japan can't seem to do.

Can't and won't ... +1

I would like to see results from these mafia crackdowns, on the companies affected, persons and respective businesses involved.

Just wondering what the effect of this crackdown will have on mainland Japan, and what the Japanese government will do about it.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

This is just a bluff... the government will freeze the assets but underground there is much more going on. That like covering the sun with your thumb.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Doing what Japan can't seem to do.

Perhaps, but they should probably try and get their own backyard in order as well. Not a single mention in that article of measures they are taking to counter the multiple billions of dollars worth in illicit activities conceived, conducted and carried out by their own home-grown gang syndicates. Shock, Horror, stop the press !!!! Money Laundering, Prostitution, Child Pornography, Human Trafficking perpetrated by Americans on American soil !!!! Tell me it can't be true !!

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Tandoorinacho. ATF, FBI do the same. ever heard of RICO?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Tandoorinacho: Everyone country has its own share of problems but there are no major (25,000+ member) organised crime syndicates in America unlike Japan and Russia.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

It would be nice the also went after the KKK etc

0 ( +3 / -3 )

The Yamaguchi-gumi will likely follow the government's lead and ask to be an exception to US crackdowns and punishments, but hopefully the US can do some much needed damage to both these and other crime syndicates.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@gogogo - I would guess there are at least 25,000 people working in those big wall street banks. They pretty much qualify as a crime syndicate these days.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

@Nancy Foust: touche'

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

With worldwide money laundering at around US$2 to $15 trillion PER YEAR, I doubt these efforts will hardly make a dent.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

BRAVO!!!

it's about time

6 ( +6 / -0 )

May not be any 25+000 crime syndicates in the US, but a lot more crims get killed there. And look at what US lawbreaking is doing to Mexico and Central America.

Good intentions but agree it will not really harm the crims.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

How about the U.S. looks at its own back yard, gangs, drugs, rampant. Thenw ehn they sort that shit out step out and deal with the rest of the world. more crime going on on any street corner than a whole city in japan.

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

Stay on topic please.

How about the U.S. looks at its own back yard, gangs, drugs, rampant.

Export -- silly comment. First off, the anti-crime afforts of the FBI and other related bureaus, like ATF and others, are massive and on-going. What's more, the U.S. has very tough laws designed specifically to target gangs and organized crime -- or have you never bothered to become aware of RICO, that was specifically put in place to address the problem? Meanwhile Japan lets the Yakukza to openly go about their business. As a result, the illegal proceeds of their activities are finding their way into the U.S. financial system, since they are looking to get a better return than the near zero rates paid in Japan. So the U.S. has every right to protect its financial institutions.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

How about the U.S. looks at its own back yard, gangs, drugs, rampant

ExportExpert - You being a Kiwi, I had no idea you were so attuned to US society and crime rates. With your extensive knowledge, could you please explain your findings? (which I must admit sounded suspiciously like someone who's only opinion or knowledge of the US comes from watching 'Boys in the Hood', but I digress )

I had no idea the US has turned into such an apocolypse!

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Two people with names starting with h above, crime is worse now in the U.S. than ever, there is over 1 million street gang members alone now, without even getting into the italian crime groups or other ethnic traditional crime syndicates, and I do know about Rico, I actually know more about this topic than both of you put togehter.

The US has issues at home to deal with before trying to clean up the streets of Tokyo or Moscow, or any other city for that matter.

Hoserfella you been asleep the last 20 or so years then have you?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

The Italian mafia and the Japanese yakuza were no where to compare with the Russian organized crimes because many Russian gansters were veterans of the KGB and sure they 'do things' more professionaly than anyone on earth! Perhaps the yankees should regrets the demise of the former soviet union, the fantasy of 'freedom' do you guys no good! These freedomed people from former communist countries has no gratitutes whatsoever!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Most of this stuff has been going on unchecked for years and people wondered why. Now that the economy is truly in the crapper they are finally gathering all the chips they left straggling out there for rainy days. Although, with the current economic climate they are going after the big chips.

This is how you truly know the economy is in trouble.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

The US has issues at home to deal with before trying to clean up the streets of Tokyo or Moscow, or any other city for that matter.

The US is not trying to "clean up the streets of Tokyo or Moscow". They're trying to prevent ill-gotten proceeds from entering the US monetary system or influencing the financial system.

Stop your redirection.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I wonder if it is purely a coincidence that at about the same time the US announces this move, the AIJ scandal as reported on JT here: <http://www.japantoday.com/category/crime/view/investment-firm-aij-suspended-amid-probe-into-huge-pension-fund-loss > with their clientele being in industries that have known criminal ties, pops up too.

Inquiring minds want to know!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The mobs' money wizards are at this moment trying to figure out how to beat the system if and when it is enforced. The money will be directed elsewhere ... but it will still be there ... somewhere ...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

m5c32

They're trying to prevent ill-gotten proceeds from entering the US monetary system or influencing the financial system

And would that be because of the huge amount of ill gotten proceeds already in the U.S., they can only deal with so much?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

And would that be because of the huge amount of ill gotten proceeds already in the U.S., they can only deal with so much?

They actively screen for income/investment/asset sources for domestic malfeasants. They intend to screen for these additional crime syndicates. Just like they screen against other international crime syndicates. As the money laundered becomes significant, those sources become a target. Simple as that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The USA can not do all of this alone, the USA must ask for help from many, many governments, Colombia is now doing much better, why?? They got lots of help from the USA, but now Mexico needs lots of help like Colombia, to fight those bastards narcos who would kill there own mother in a heart beat let alone you and me.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

ExportExpert is right here.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

ExportExpert - I was shocked, SHOCKED, I tell you to wiki "US crime rates" and immidiately see such quotes as "dropped significantly", "continue to fall", "crime rate plunging", etc...(pretty much everything I'd heard in the news over the last year) Could be be that I hitched my wagon to the wrong small-town, never-set-foot-in-the-States, US crime rate pro Kiwi?? Your original boast that the average human would be taking his life into his hands going down any street, USA, from Maine to California and Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico was to put it mildly, false. Once again, this website has left me disillusioned..

1 ( +4 / -3 )

For the record: Some14some well played sir!

For those saying the US should track the KKK and such, it does that's one of its primary functions, along with gang/mafia activity, and federal serial crimes (murder, rape, etc). There is a whole division devoted to investigation of hate groups of all kinds.

As far as any street in the US having higher crime than the US, that's pure hogwash. ALL types of crime has been steadily declining for decades and is currently at its lowest point since the 1960s despite what you see on tv. This is not true for Japan, however. But it's easy to verify, both countries post yearly reports on annual crime statistics on the net for all to see. A little research isn't hard to do, but an honest view of a country that gets too much unearned attention may not be what you're after.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

With the long reach and tentacles of this syndicates, they have infiltrated even US Senators and Congressmen. I hope USA will succeed. Gambatte USA.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Elbuda Mexicano is spot on here. There should be a coordinated international financial strike force involving the effort from many countries and not just the USA alone. Interpol seems to be a toothless tiger at times and it might be time to try something new.

If these transnational organised crime groups cannot shift or use their funds in the USA they will look to other markets to invest. It will be interesting to see if there any reaction by the Japanese and other governments on this issue.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I won't lie... I will hate to see them go but I will be glad when the Human Trafficking and Drugs have disappeared. Note: that there was nothing about prostitution or weapons. The day that happens in All countries will be long and coming. Hell prostitution is some what legal in Nevada. lol.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Always knew there were Russian Gangs but never knew they had a name , "Brothers Circle" knew to me . Is this a government/media made up name ?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Guess better doing something than nothing. It may not amount to a hell of beans right now, but gotta start somewhere. If they wait and wait and wait before doing anything, the crime syndicates will only get bigger and bigger and bigger - eventually, by the time they get around to doing something, the crime syndicates will be already so big it will be even a lot harder to put a dent into them then. It's like procrastinating - why put off till tomorrow what can be done today?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Americans - stop being cultural imperialists and interfering with Japanese and Russian traditional culture.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

A coordinated assault on them would have been nice, but with every additional country you bring in on your plans, the greater the likelihood that the targets would be tipped-off and get their funds out.

Americans - stop being cultural imperialists and interfering with Japanese and Russian traditional culture.

Even if you were trying to be funny, you missed the mark. What the U.S. did doesn't affect Japanese NOR Russian operations in their home countries, so their "cultures" are in no danger. All this really does is say to the crime syndicates, "We're on to you and any money you place in our financial system is no longer available to you."

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Okay, I admit that I'm completely clueless about this sort of stuff. It sounds like they US is trying to stop criminal organizations by stopping them from financially. What I'm confused about is how? I mean, does the Russian Mafia have a bank account in the US?(for example) How do the authorities KNOW which is a proper business account and which one is illegal? Can they just put a freeze on suspicious activities without due process?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

US will not be able to isolate any mafia. Mafia deals with what society (or lawmakers) has decided is morally bad while a significant percentage of the population thinks differently. The only way to kill mafia business is to legalize all this. Clean drugs for the ones who want/need it, prostitution considered as a descent and recognize job, transparent gambling with declared income for high bets and ... done! The problem is that the moralists kill the basic moral and well being of a lot of people (addicts, prostitutes, ...) by supporting mafia organizations. Totally counter productive and cynic.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@BurakuminDes

I've said it before on this forum, the sociopaths known as the yakuza have nothing to do with culture, traditional or otherwise.

Mayor Hashimoto was raised in "burakumin" area, from what I understand, and his father apparently had dealings with the yakuza before taking his own life to avoid a confrontation with the loan sharks.

Is loan sharking and the like that what you means by traditional culture?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Foolish laws proscribe normal people's desires to do things that, when done responsibly, are quite harmless at worst and arguably beneficial. "Organized criminals" subvert those laws for a price. Time to stop doing what hasn't been working, then they won't have black market money to launder because the market will be Free.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Foolish laws proscribe normal people's desires to do things that, when done responsibly, are quite harmless at worst and arguably beneficial. "Organized criminals" subvert those laws for a price. Time to stop doing what hasn't been working, then they won't have black market money to launder because the market will be Free.

There have been prior arguments in favor of this and in some instances (prostitution, for example) they may have merit. Where the argument falls flat, howerver, is when drugs are brought into the discussion. Some drugs are illegal because they KILL, cause permanent harm to the body, or make the body physically addicted. Legalizing access to them does nobody any good.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Fadamor, you assert "they KILL". That is fallacious. Foolish people can kill themselves still do no harm to you or me. There are already plenty of laws governing such things as driving while intoxicated, when actual harm is caused. Please explain why there should be laws against sitting in one's living room while intoxicated. "For our own good"??? I'll take care of myself, thanks just the same.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

What will the Japanese government will do about it. ?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

-chuckle- my best guess? They'll continue business as usual. Why not?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

If you honestly believe that most "established," "transnational," criminal organizations are street level (mainly prostitution, drugs, etc.) please do not begin to criticize US efforts to purge its financial system of this "dirty money" because you clearly do not understand the SCALE of this problem and how the US, however bureaucratic, specifically combats financial corruption (very hard to type, but since these are criminal groups I know authorities will be aggressive). The groups mentioned are from Japan, Russia, Italy, and Mexico... well established and well beyond the traditional or typical criminal activity associated with your Hollywood organized crime ideas.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

What will the Japanese government will do about it. ?

The Japanese government passed a similar law several months ago.

Please explain why there should be laws against sitting in one's living room while intoxicated.

What law says that?

Alcohol is the example. Even though it is legal and can be used responsibly, many individuals can't maintain their normal lives because they drink too much. In many cases such individuals become unable to function in society, becoming a burden on society instead of a productive member.

That is a fundamental problem not addressed by such libertarian nonsense that all drugs should be legal.

And when society sanctions the ingestion of such substances, then there is no question that the rate of abuse would climb.

Back to the big picture of these laws.... On economics level, these laws targeting the ability of crime groups to exploit the normal economy also make it clear to normal people that it is, in fact, not acceptable to do business with people that acquire their money through criminal activity. Up until now, the open operating mode of the yakuza put a tacit stamp of approval on the existence and operations of such organizations.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Hoserfella you been asleep the last 20 or so years then have you?

I think someone else has been asleep for the last 24hrs with no more pontificating on the US crime rates..

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

United States of America (AKA the world police)

Perhaps they should spend less time trying to force acts onto the rest of the world and just remain focused on affairs going on within their own soil.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

KariHaruka,

They are. This is about the U.S. financial system. Why not ask the foreign crime syndicates not to thread on their soil? They won't care if the crime syndicates bring down Russia or Japan or whatever country with them to the hellhole, just so long as they don't bring the U.S. financial system with them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

There have been yakuza members arrested in Mexico recently in connection with drug and human trafficking. Japan will benefit from having this crackdown on its organized crime groups using offshore accounts for money laundering.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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