Recently, a new type of criminal organization called 'Tokumei·Ryudo-gata Tanzai' (Anonymous·Fluid Crime Group, commonly known as Tokuryu) has been drawing attention as a 'faceless monster' that launders money in various crimes, including fraud, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and illegal casinos. Law enforcement agencies such as the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Justice have declared war on 'Tokuryu' and are struggling to find solutions.

This article will summarize what 'Tokuryu' is, how they commit crimes, and what countermeasures are being taken against them.

■ The hidden and cunning tactics of 'Tokuryu'

'Tokuryu' refers to criminal groups that utilize anonymity and fluidity, such as through SNS, to conceal their identity. Specifically, they separate the instigators from the executors, making it difficult to identify the perpetrators, and they change the methods of recruitment and criminal tactics using SNS, thereby increasing their anonymity and fluidity.

Previously, criminal organizations typically had a structured and hierarchical structure, but 'Tokuryu' is a fluid organization with no identifiable entity, making it difficult to even ascertain their existence.

The police and prosecutors point to investment fraud, voice phishing, illegal gambling, illegal work, and pornography as major crimes committed by 'Tokuryu'.

■ Strong countermeasures against 'Tokuryu' are being implemented

In response, the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency have embarked on establishing 'Tokuryu Task Forces' and building joint investigation systems. They are also strengthening cooperative systems with relevant domestic and international agencies, and are considering revising the Anti-Money Laundering Act to drastically strengthen punishment provisions.

According to the National Police Agency, the number of people arrested for money laundering last year reached a record high of 709. The Director of the Special Crimes Investigation Division stated that "the surge in crimes committed by Tokuryu has led to a significant increase in the number of arrests," and added, "we will further intensify crackdowns on them."

Meanwhile, an official from the Ministry of Justice said, "We are classifying Tokuryu as a threat of the same level," and added, "we will work closely with related organizations to focus on dismantling not only the criminal proceeds but also the Tokuryu organization itself."

■ Organized crime utilizing 'Tokuryu' and its tactics

As mentioned earlier, 'Tokuryu' uses its anonymity and fluidity as weapons to commit various crimes. The most representative crimes include investment fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, voice phishing, and prostitution solicitation.

1. Investment Fraud 'Tokuryu' recruits accomplices through SNS and then carries out actual investment scams. A common tactic involves using fake company accounts to transfer the proceeds of crime for money laundering.

2. Cryptocurrency Fraud 'Tokuryu' sets up servers overseas and uses them to operate cryptocurrency investment fraudulent websites. The proceeds of fraudulent activities are laundered through the accounts of accomplices recruited through SNS. Cryptocurrency trading offers anonymity, making the methods even more cunning.

3. Illegal Casinos and Gambling 'Tokuryu' promotes gambling websites and online casinos through SNS and recruits users. The proceeds of gambling are laundered using fake company accounts, similar to previous tactics.

4. Solicitation 'Tokuryu' also specializes in soliciting customers for illegal prostitution or entertainment venues. They threaten and extort customers who are in debt to entertainment venues, or force them into prostitution. They launder the money extorted or earned from prostitution.

5. Major Cases Where the Entity Has Been Revealed As of May, a group arrested by the Osaka Prefectural Police laundered over 10 billion yen per month. They managed 4,000 fake company accounts to launder money. Another case involved the detection of a group of counterfeiters laundering 20 billion yen of government subsidies that were overpaid.

In this way, 'Tokuryu' has used advanced fraudulent tactics to gain massive criminal profits, laundering them to form a sophisticated black market.

■ Crackdown on 'Tokuryu' and Institutional Improvements for Anti-Money Laundering

The government and law enforcement agencies have launched a crackdown operation against 'Tokuryu'. They plan to actively issue arrest warrants for high-value money laundering crimes, and are stepping up enforcement measures, including the operation of dedicated investigation teams and special investigation teams, and the sophistication of money tracing methods.

Furthermore, each agency is undertaking legislative revisions to prevent the laundering of criminal proceeds. The Ministry of Justice has comprehensively revised the 'Anti-Money Laundering Act', raising the punishment level to include fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years.

The financial authorities have also decided to strengthen regulations on 'virtual asset service providers' that 'Tokuryu' exploits. Accordingly, they are considering the obligation of institutional real-name verification, account monitoring, constant transaction record reporting, and verification of funds sources.

In addition, various policies are being developed, including the issuance of alias accounts and the use of white hackers to prevent hacking. Meanwhile, experts point out that it is urgent to improve technical capabilities and establish joint investigation systems with overseas countries.

The authorities are expected to continue their response to 'Tokuryu' in the future. On the other hand, self-regulation efforts by related companies and the banking sector are also expected. We hope that the continuous response of the authorities and the private sector will lead to the eradication of 'Tokuryu'.