John Claude commands the international arms smuggling organization Shot Shell, serving as the narrative's primary antagonist. His group operates extensively within the black market, deliberately provoking global conflicts to drive weapons sales. Shot Shell's headquarters is a heavily militarized base on a remote Pacific island, fortified with advanced technology including holographic systems for deception.

He employs a strategic and manipulative approach, utilizing false flag operations by embedding agents worldwide to instigate wars and sustain demand for his organization's services. During dealings with Lupin's gang, he negotiates to acquire the stolen Russian nuclear submarine Ivanov, intending to harness its nuclear capabilities for destructive purposes. After the thieves complete an additional task for him at his jungle compound, he betrays them, ordering their elimination and deploying holographic technology to deceive Lupin during the confrontation.

A susceptibility to manipulation through seduction characterizes John Claude, manifesting as a Villainous Crush on Fujiko Mine. This weakness allows Fujiko to exploit his attraction; she disarms him during a critical moment with a feigned plea for mercy, stealing his weapon. His narrative arc concludes in the climactic battle when the destruction of his weapons cache engulfs him in the resulting explosions.

John Claude collaborates with Keith Hayden, a corrupt Interpol agent assigned to eliminate Lupin's gang. This alliance reveals John Claude's infiltration of law enforcement to advance Shot Shell's objectives, positioning him as the central orchestrator of the story's conflict.