Suspect in Tokyo suburb burglary feared being 'purged by Luffy'

One of the arrested suspects in a burglary case in a Tokyo suburb has told police that he was afraid he would be ''purged'' if he talked to investigators.

Police have arrested seven people on suspicion of burglary resulting in injury. They are suspected of breaking into a home in the city of Inagi last October, assaulting a female occupant and binding her and members of her family with tape.

They are also suspected of stealing a safe containing about 35 million yen, or about 270,000 dollars, in cash, and gold bullion from the home.

Police believe that an individual known as Luffy, who is thought to be in the Philippines, gave instructions for the burglary after recruiting most of the seven on social media under the guise of part-time jobs.

Investigative sources say Luffy demanded selfies of the suspects with their driver's licenses. They say Luffy also sought information on the suspects' families and other personal details.

The sources say a suspicious person later visited some of the suspects at their homes or their families' homes.

The sources say one of the suspects told police that he had made a deal to remain silent if he was arrested. He added that he was afraid he would be ''purged'' by Luffy if he talked to police about the burglary.

The sources say some of the suspects have withdrawn their initial admission to the crime and are now denying it or remaining silent.

Police suspect that Luffy psychologically controlled the suspects and directed them to carry out the crime.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230127_05/