The alleged leader of a gang that called itself "Luffy" told his first trial hearing that he only helped accomplices in four of seven robbery cases, including a fatal home robbery in Komae, western Tokyo, ABEMA Times reported.
Yuki Watanabe, 42, is charged with robbery resulting in death and other crimes. Prosecutors say he directed the gang in the Komae case, where a 90-year-old woman was beaten with a crowbar and died.
In court, Watanabe said of the Komae case and three others: "I only helped my accomplices." His defense argued his role amounts to aiding and abetting, not co-conspiracy.
For the remaining three robberies, he said he was not part of any conspiracy and pleaded not guilty. He admitted to the fraud and theft charges against him.
The command-chain question
The trial turns on how far a remote organizer can be held responsible for crimes carried out by others. Prosecutors say Watanabe gave orders from a distance; his defense says he assisted but did not conspire.