The Glico-Morinaga case refers to a series of extortion and poisoning incidents that occurred in Japan during the 1980s. The incidents targeted two major Japanese food companies, Glico and Morinaga, and involved threats, extortion demands, and the contamination of food products. The case became a high-profile criminal investigation and garnered significant public attention. Here, we delve into the details of the Glico-Morinaga case, exploring the events, investigations, and the impact on the affected companies and the Japanese public.
Quick Links:
The Initial Threats
Extortion and Product Tampering
Escalation of the Case
The Taunt and the Pursuit
Withdrawal and Unsolved Mystery
Legacy and Impact
Theories and Speculations
Conclusion
The Initial Threats
The Glico-Morinaga case began in 1984 when the confectionery companies Glico and Morinaga received threatening letters. The letters were accompanied by laced products, including chocolates and candies, containing a deadly mixture of potassium cyanide and sodium hydroxide. The letters demanded large sums of money and threatened widespread product tampering if the extortion demands were not met.
Extortion and Product Tampering
The perpetrators, who referred to themselves as “The Monster with 21 Faces,” targeted specific individuals within the companies and demanded payments in exchange for not poisoning their products. The group claimed to have insider knowledge of the companies’ operations, adding to the fear and pressure on Glico and Morinaga.
Despite initial attempts to comply with the extortion demands, the companies found it challenging to negotiate with the perpetrators. The threats escalated, and the Monster with 21 Faces carried out its promise of product tampering. Contaminated products were discovered in stores, further heightening public concern.
Escalation of the Case
As the Glico-Morinaga case gained widespread attention, law enforcement in Japan, including the police and the Criminal Investigation Bureau, became involved in the investigation. The case became one of the largest criminal investigations in Japanese history, with extensive efforts to apprehend the individuals behind the extortion and poisoning campaign.
The Taunt and the Pursuit
The Monster with 21 Faces taunted law enforcement and the companies through letters and phone calls. The perpetrators demonstrated a deep knowledge of police procedures and successfully evaded capture for an extended period. Despite the efforts of investigators, including surveillance, stakeouts, and forensic analysis, the elusive group managed to remain one step ahead.
Withdrawal and Unsolved Mystery
Eventually, the Monster with 21 Faces sent a letter announcing its withdrawal from the case in 1985. The perpetrators claimed that the investigation had become too intense, and they decided to cease their activities. The withdrawal left law enforcement and the affected companies without resolution, and the identity of the individuals behind the extortion and poisoning remained unknown.
Legacy and Impact
The Glico-Morinaga case had a lasting impact on Japanese society, particularly in terms of product safety and corporate security. The case highlighted vulnerabilities in the food industry and the challenges companies faced in dealing with extortion and product tampering threats.
The unsolved nature of the case also left a sense of unease and mystery in the public consciousness. The Monster with 21 Faces became a symbol of elusive criminality, and the case remains one of Japan’s most notorious unsolved crimes.
Theories and Speculations
Numerous theories and speculations have been proposed regarding the identity and motives of the individuals behind the Glico-Morinaga case:
1. Organized Crime
– Some theories suggest that the perpetrators had ties to organized crime or had knowledge of the criminal underworld.
2. Disgruntled Employees
– Speculation has arisen about the possibility of the involvement of disgruntled employees or individuals with inside knowledge of the companies.
3. Copycat Crimes
– There have been suggestions that the Glico-Morinaga case inspired copycat crimes in Japan, creating additional challenges for law enforcement.
4. Mysterious Motives
– The motives behind the extortion and poisoning campaign remain unclear. Some believe it may have been driven by financial gain, while others suggest a desire for notoriety.
Conclusion
The Glico-Morinaga case stands as a perplexing and unsolved mystery in the history of criminal investigations in Japan. The audacious actions of the Monster with 21 Faces, the impact on the affected companies, and the inability of law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrators have contributed to the enduring fascination with this case. The Glico-Morinaga case remains an enigma, representing a challenging chapter in Japan’s criminal history and the complexities of investigating elusive and sophisticated criminal activities.
