NEW YORK (AP) — Takeshi Ebisawa, a prominent member of Japan's notorious Yakuza crime syndicate, has pleaded guilty to significant charges involving the trafficking of nuclear materials sourced from Myanmar, allegedly intended for Iran’s nuclear program. The 60-year-old entered his plea in Manhattan federal court on January 8, facing serious charges related to narcotics trafficking and international weapons offenses.

During the court proceedings, prosecutors revealed that Ebisawa had conspired to sell radioactive materials, including weapons-grade plutonium and uranium, in exchange for heavy-duty military weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles. Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Kim noted that Ebisawa "brazenly trafficked nuclear material" while simultaneously coordinating the distribution of significant quantities of heroin and methamphetamine into the United States.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), involved undercover operations where Ebisawa communicated with a confidential source, unaware he was actually dealing with law enforcement. Evidence presented included photographs that Ebisawa claimed depicted radioactive materials, further underscoring his illicit activities purportedly aimed at funding weapons purchases for an unnamed ethnic insurgent group in Myanmar. The materials were described as "yellowcake," a raw form of uranium.

According to court documents, the Justice Department confirmed that laboratory analysis of the seized substances revealed they contained detectable quantities of both uranium and thorium, affirming their potential use for nuclear weapons. The investigation highlighted the serious undercurrents of international organized crime, illustrating how arms and drug trafficking intertwine in global networks.

Ebisawa will face sentencing on April 9, with potential penalties reaching up to life imprisonment for the most severe charges. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by organized crime, particularly those who threaten national and international security through serious illicit enterprises. As highlighted by DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, the DEA's diligence is crucial in dismantling such dangerous networks that span across multiple countries.

This high-profile case reflects ongoing issues within Myanmar, where the political landscape has been marred by chaos following the February 2021 military coup. As the international community watches, the repercussions of Ebisawa’s actions could have far-reaching implications.

You can read more about this story on AP News and Al Jazeera.