"I was just helping." Watanabe, the leader of the "Luffy" case, looks thinner and calmer than when he was transferred.
Quick Look
At the first trial of the "Luffy" case held at the Tokyo District Court, leader Yuki Watanabe (42) admitted special fraud, but denied part of the conspiracy, stating that he did not conspire in the first three robberies and that he only assisted his accomplices in the remaining four.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Watanabe was deported from the Philippines three years and nine months ago. Related news includes a series of robberies, ``dark part-time jobs,'' and countermeasures against Tokuryu.
"I was just helping my accomplice." At the first trial of the "Luffy" case held on the 11th at the Tokyo District Court, defendant Yuki Watanabe (42), who is considered the leader, spoke matter-of-factly when asked about the charges against him by the presiding judge.
[Related News] A series of robberies “dark part-time jobs” and countermeasures against Tokuryu
Around 10 a.m., Watanabe appeared in court wearing a black suit, white dress shirt, and blue tie. He looked a little thinner than when he was transferred from the Philippines three years and nine months ago, and had a calm expression on his face.
When asked about his occupation, he answered, ``I'm unemployed.'' At his arraignment, he acknowledged the special fraud, saying, ``There is no doubt about it,'' but denied the robbery, saying, ``I did not co-conspirate in the first three cases.I only assisted my accomplices in the remaining four.''
Prior to this, the prosecutor spent about an hour reading out the indictment. Watanabe, sitting on the witness stand, listened quietly and at times asked the presiding judge questions about the materials presented.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
As the trial continues, the investigation into whether there is collusion in the robbery case will continue.
Very likely · Within weeks
There is a high possibility of conviction for special fraud.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Specific details and amount of damage in the remaining four robberies
- Identity and current situation of accomplice
- Details of evidence of collusion proven by the prosecution
- Judgment timing and sentencing outlook
