
A Japanese yakuza leader pleads guilty to a shocking nuclear material conspiracy and drug trafficking scheme that could land him in prison for life.
At a Glance
- Takeshi Ebisawa admitted to trafficking weapons-grade plutonium from Myanmar
- He conspired to sell nuclear materials to Iran for potential weapons development
- Ebisawa also pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and weapons procurement charges
- The yakuza boss faces a minimum of 10 years in prison, with sentencing set for April 9
Yakuza Boss Admits to Nuclear Material Trafficking
Takeshi Ebisawa, a prominent figure in Japan’s yakuza crime syndicate, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to traffic nuclear materials and narcotics in a U.S. federal court. The case has exposed a dangerous nexus between organized crime and potential nuclear proliferation, raising alarms about global security threats.
Ebisawa’s criminal activities came to light following an extensive investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The yakuza leader was arrested in April 2022 in Manhattan during a sting operation, where he attempted to sell nuclear materials to undercover agents posing as Iranian buyers.
Japanese Yakuza Leader Pleads Guilty to Nuclear Materials Trafficking, Narcotics, and Weapons Chargeshttps://t.co/fXF7hSvoCN
— National Security Division, U.S. Dept of Justice (@DOJNatSec) January 8, 2025
Nuclear Materials from Myanmar to Iran
According to court documents, Ebisawa conspired to traffic uranium and weapons-grade plutonium from Myanmar, intending to sell them for use in Iran’s nuclear weapons program. The nuclear materials originated from an “ethnic insurgent group” leader in Myanmar, who allegedly mined uranium to fund weapons purchases.
“As alleged, the defendants in this case trafficked in drugs, weapons, and nuclear material – going so far as to offer uranium and weapons-grade plutonium fully expecting that Iran would use it for nuclear weapons,” said Administrator Anne Milgram.
The gravity of Ebisawa’s actions cannot be overstated. The trafficking of weapons-grade plutonium poses a severe threat to international security and could have potentially led to the development of nuclear weapons by hostile actors.
Drug Trafficking and Weapons Procurement
In addition to nuclear material trafficking, Ebisawa admitted to attempting to distribute heroin and methamphetamine in the United States. He offered to exchange these narcotics for heavy weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles, intended for ethnic armed groups in Myanmar.
The case highlights the complex web of international crime, involving not only nuclear materials but also drug trafficking and illegal arms deals. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation among global law enforcement agencies to combat such transnational criminal networks.
International Cooperation and Legal Consequences
The successful prosecution of Ebisawa resulted from extensive collaboration between U.S. law enforcement and agencies in Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand. This international effort demonstrates the global commitment to combating organized crime and preventing the proliferation of nuclear materials.
Ebisawa now faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence for his crimes. His sentencing is scheduled for April 9, where the full extent of his punishment will be determined. This case serves as a powerful deterrent to other criminal organizations contemplating similar activities and reaffirms the United States’ commitment to global security.