Japanese Yakuza Leader Charged with Attempting to Traffic Nuclear Materials

The Department of Justice has charged Takeshi Ebisawa, a leader of the Japanese Yakuza gang, with attempting to traffic weapons-grade nuclear materials from Burma to other countries, including Iran, for the development of their nuclear weapons program. Ebisawa allegedly conspired to transport uranium and weapons-grade plutonium and was also involved in drug and weapons trafficking. Undercover agents were able to seize samples of the nuclear materials, which were confirmed to contain uranium, thorium, and plutonium. If successful, the trafficking could have had severe consequences, according to Assistant Attorney General Matt Olsen.