Crime Kabukicho's 'little rip-off' shops

[thomas]

In late January, a Mainichi reporter ventured into Kabukicho's nightlife district to investigate scam restaurants that overcharge and threaten customers. Following the arrests of more than ten people for allegedly posing as affiliates of the yakitori chain Torikizoku and tricking patrons into visiting scam restaurants, many posts have been found on social media from reported victims of the establishments.

The Tokyo Bar Association's Takeshi Nakamura, a lawyer with expertise in countering rip-offs and organized crime, pointed out, "Around ten years ago, rip-offs in amounts of 1 million JPY (approx. USD 6,800) were rampant at places like cabarets and sex service shops. But 'little rip-offs' of relatively small amounts at izakaya and other establishments have become more common in recent years."

He added, "There's a high likelihood the touts working in collusion with scam businesses are a source of income for organized crime groups. To avoid becoming a victim, first and foremost, don't be led anywhere by a tout. Once anything has been paid, it can be difficult to fix. If you're asked to pay unreasonable sums, I'd advise consulting the police immediately." Torikizoku Holdings Co. commented to the Mainichi Shimbun, "Our restaurants do not solicit customers whatsoever. That act itself is banned by regulations in many places. We ask our valued customers to please exercise caution."

Read more about those rip-off places:

'Don't be led anywhere': Tokyo's Kabukicho rife with 'little rip-off' scam shops: lawyer - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- On a late January evening in Tokyo's Kabukicho nightlife district, this reporter was called out within minutes by a man soliciting patrons fo

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