The Bureau of Immigration deported another eight (๐ Japanese nationals who were linked to the notorious “Luffy ” robbery group on Tuesday morning on board Japan Airlines flight JL 746 for Tokyo at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 after deportation orders were released.
The eight Japanese were HARADA SHOTA, born on November 18, 1994; NAKAMURA NAOTO, born on March 23, 1996; ENDO SEIJIRO, born on August 26, 1988; KOBAYASHI MIKIO, born on August 18, 1990; HASHIMOTO KODAI, born on May 7, 1994; OTANI TAKUYA, born on November 14, 1995; MAYUZUMI KAITO, born on February 17, 1998; and SAKIYAMA KENTA, born on December 27, 1994 they were arrested last January 11, 2020 in Famy, Laguna.
The group, named after its alleged leader, a man known as “Luffy,” has been linked to a series of violent robberies and other crimes across Japan.
The eight individuals were escorted by 20 members of the Japan Police and deported to Japan on board Japan Airlines Flight JL 746 that departed at 9:45 AM from NAIA Terminal 1 on January 30, 2024.
On February 7, 2023 immigration deported two Japanese who are members of the Luffy Group identified as Yuki Watanabe believed to be the leader of the gang and Kojima or Saito Tomonobu.
Yuki Watanabe and Saito Tomonobu were arrested in Paranaque City last March 17, 2021, while Imamura Kiyoto was arrested last December 26, 2019, when he tried to board a Cebu Pacific flight at NAIA terminal 3 bound for Macau while Fujita Toshiya was arrested last February 21, 2021, in Mabini, Batangas.
The deportation was carried out in cooperation with the Philippine government, which has been working with Japan to crack down on transnational crime.
The “Luffy” robbery group gained notoriety for its brazen and violent tactics. The group is believed to have carried out a series of robberies targeting jewelry stores, convenience stores, and other businesses.
The group’s members were known for their use of violence and intimidation, often threatening their victims with weapons.
According to Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco the deportation of another eight Japanese members of the “Luffy” robbery group is a significant step in Philippines’ immigration efforts to combat transnational crime and protect its citizens from violent criminals.
It also demonstrates the cooperation between Japan and the Philippines in addressing shared security concerns, he added.
The deportation of the “Luffy” robbery group members is expected to disrupt the group’s operations and make it more difficult for them to carry out their criminal activities in Japan. It is also a warning to other criminal groups that the Philippines will not tolerate their presence and will work with international partners to bring them to justice.
