At the heart of the ownership turmoil was Takashi Okubo, the CEO of Kokusai Green Limited. Okuso's financial backing was pivotal to Lightning partners. The ownership group's fortune seemed dire and Okubo's financial support was crucial in securing what is known as the Amali arena in downtown Tampa. However, the true nature of Okubo's involvement was far more complicated than mere financial struggles. Rumors swirled about of Okubo's alleged ties to the Okuza, a notorious japanese organized crime syndicate