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Tokuryū (特流) is a term coined by Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) to describe a new and growing form of loosely organized criminal groups that have emerged as an alternative to traditional yakuza organizations. The term combines the Japanese words tokumei (匿名, "anonymous") and ryūdo (流動, "fluid"), reflecting the groups' lack of hierarchical structures and their ability to operate anonymously and flexibly.
These groups have gained prominence in recent years as legislative crackdowns on the yakuza have disrupted Japan’s historically structured organized crime networks. Unlike the yakuza, which follow strict codes of conduct and maintain hierarchical organizations, tokuryū are decentralized and rely heavily on digital communication to recruit members and coordinate operations.
Characteristics
Structure and organization
Tokuryū groups operate without a centralized structure or formal leadership, making them distinct from traditional yakuza syndicates. Members often do not know one another personally and are recruited for specific tasks or crimes. This lack of connection between members complicates investigations and makes these groups more elusive.
Recruitment
Recruitment typically occurs online through social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps. Many recruits are young people, including students, part-time workers, and unemployed individuals, lured by the promise of high earnings through what are often marketed as “dark part-time jobs” (yami-baito). These jobs often lead participants into criminal activities such as fraud, theft, or drug trafficking.
Criminal activities
Tokuryū groups are involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including:
- Special Fraud: Scams such as impersonation fraud and phishing, often targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly.
- Drug Trafficking: Smuggling and distributing illegal substances.
- Robberies and Thefts: Coordinated smash-and-grab robberies, particularly targeting high-value items.
- Murder and Assault: High-profile cases, such as contract killings, have also been linked to tokuryū.
- Criminal Infrastructure: Facilitating illegal activities by creating fake documents, operating underground banks, or organizing sham marriages.
References
- Blair, Gavin (May 10, 2024). "Tokuryū, the shadowy criminal groups taking over from yakuza in Japan" – via The Guardian.
- Kaneko, Karin (May 6, 2024). "Tokuryū, a new crime menace in Japan, emerges from the shadows". The Japan Times.