Fukuoka Prefecture Violence Elimination Movement Promotion Center

The Fukuoka Prefecture Violence Elimination Movement Promotion Center is a Japanese organization dedicated to combating organized crime and promoting violence elimination initiatives within the prefecture. Operating under the auspices of Fukuoka Prefecture, it provides advisory services to individuals and communities seeking assistance related to criminal activities and safety concerns. Its core function involves receiving inquiries from the public, offering guidance, and coordinating with law enforcement and support agencies to address violence‑related issues. The center’s mandate is limited to the geographic jurisdiction of Fukuoka Prefecture, serving residents, businesses, and local institutions within that region. As a prefectural entity, it aligns with regional government efforts to enhance public safety and reduce the influence of organized crime groups. Its specialization lies in violence prevention outreach and the dissemination of information aimed at empowering citizens to resist coercion and extortion.

In September 2022, the center was among several Japanese government entities targeted by a distributed denial‑of‑service campaign claimed by the Russia‑affiliated hacking group Killnet, which temporarily disrupted access to its online services. Authorities reported that the affected websites were restored within a day while investigations into Killnet’s involvement continued. In March 2023, the organization experienced a security breach when an employee responded to a fraudulent “security update” message, granting unauthorized remote access to staff computers for approximately twenty minutes. This incident potentially exposed the names and phone numbers of roughly 3,500 individuals who had previously sought advisory services from the center. Officials acknowledged the possibility of data leakage, issued a public apology, and warned the public about suspicious communications falsely claiming affiliation with the institution. These events highlight the center’s exposure to cyber threats despite its primary focus on traditional violence elimination work.