YOKKAICHI, JAPAN — Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a high-ranking Yakuza gang boss was found in one of his homes in Yokkaichi City.

Tatsuyuki Hishida was the leader of Aio-kai, a second-tier group in Mie Prefecture affiliated with the Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan's largest organized crime syndicate, reports the BBC.

Authorities believe Hishida's murder is connected to a factional split within the organization last September. The Guardian reports tensions had been running high since the gangsters, who were reportedly kicked out due to disloyalty, formed a rival group called Kobe Yamaguchi-gumi.

According to the Tokyo Reporter, Hishida was discovered collapsed and bleeding around 5:40 p.m. on Sunday by his wife and a fellow gang member. The 59-year-old gang boss had his hands and feet bound and appeared to have been hit repeatedly with a blunt object, suffering injuries to his head and wrists.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.

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