Japan's "Monster" terror: Glico kidnapping unsolved

Japan was gripped by fear in the 1980s due to an audacious extortion scheme orchestrated by a group calling themselves "The Monster with 21 Faces." The terror began in March 1984 with the kidnapping of Glico president Katsuhisa Ezaki, who later escaped. The group then issued chilling threats, claiming to have laced Glico candies with cyanide, forcing a nationwide product recall and severe financial losses.

The "Monster with 21 Faces" continued their campaign, targeting other major food companies like Morinaga, Marudai Ham, and House Foods. They taunted police with elaborate ransom instructions and letters filled with threats, even sending poisoned candy packages that were fortunately recovered before anyone was harmed. A key figure, dubbed the "fox-eyed man," was spotted by undercover officers but evaded capture.

Overwhelmed by the investigation's lack of progress, one police superintendent died by suicide. Shortly after, the group sent a final letter announcing they would cease their activities, implying any future threats would be from copycats. The investigation continued for years, but with the statute of limitations expiring on kidnapping and attempted murder charges, the case remains officially unsolved, a lingering mystery from Japan's past.