Yakuza leader sentenced to 20 years for trafficking nuclear material

Takeshi Ebisawa, described by prosecutors as a Yakuza leader, was sentenced to 20 years in U.S. federal prison after pleading guilty to charges tied to trafficking nuclear material; a U.S. laboratory reported detectable uranium, thorium and weapons‑grade plutonium in material seized from an office in Bangkok.

Takeshi Ebisawa, identified by federal prosecutors as a leader in Japan's Yakuza, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to trafficking nuclear material. Prosecutors reported he tried to sell uranium and plutonium originating from Myanmar in a plot linked to Iran's nuclear program. U.S. authorities said material seized from a Bangkok office was tested and found to contain detectable radioactive elements. Officials also reported the case involved discussions about weapons and narcotics. Known facts: - The defendant, Takeshi Ebisawa, pleaded guilty to six federal charges and received a 20‑year sentence in the Southern District of New York. - Prosecutors said he attempted to sell uranium and plutonium from Myanmar in a plot linked to Iran's nuclear program. - A U.S. nuclear forensic laboratory reported detectable quantities of uranium, thorium and weapons‑grade plutonium in material seized from an office in Bangkok. Summary: The sentence reflects federal enforcement in a transnational case involving alleged trafficking of nuclear material. Undetermined at this time.