Since the revised law against organized crime took effect a year ago, mob-related offenses appear to be on the wane in Fukuoka Prefecture, which was targeted by the amendment for escalating violence waged by three underworld syndicates.
Police, however, have not made substantial progress in solving cold cases because people in the region are still fearful of reporting yakuza crimes despite the amendment.
The so-called anti-organized crime law bans yakuza from demanding protection money, donations or engaging in business through coercion or intimidation. It was revised in 2008 and again in July 2012 to give the police more powers to suppress gang activity. The latest changes took effect Wednesday.