KOBE -- When the controversial wiretapping legislation was passed in the Diet last year, supporters claimed society as a whole would benefit because police would be able to track organized crime more efficiently.
But three weeks after the law went into effect, lawyers opposed to the law and veteran yakuza watchers say the only beneficiaries of the new law are likely to be cellular phone companies, which will see an increase in phone turnover.
"It's technically difficult to wiretap cellular phone traffic. Furthermore, many gangs will rent, buy or lease new phones constantly, making it next to impossible for police to track calls," said one veteran Kobe-based yakuza watcher, speaking anonymously.