Japanese mafia scandal: Allegations of nuclear weapon trafficking

Japanese mafia Takeshi Ebisawa stands accused of attempting to peddle uranium and plutonium under the belief that they would find their way to Iran’s clandestine nuclear arsenal.

Ebisawa, alongside a Thai accomplice, previously tangled with the law over charges related to arms and narcotics in April 2022. Now, facing the prospect of life behind bars if found guilty of the latest accusations, the Japanese mafia’s alleged criminal empire stands on the brink of exposure.

US authorities paint a chilling picture of the 60 year old’s involvement with the notorious Yakuza syndicate, detailing operations spanning Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and the United States. According to the US Department of Justice, Ebisawa and his associates went as far as showcasing samples of nuclear materials to an undercover agent from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Thailand.

In an undercover operation, the agent, posing as a weapons and drug trafficker with ties to an Iranian general, intercepted the nuclear samples originating from Myanmar. Subsequent laboratory tests conducted in the US confirmed the harrowing contents: uranium and weapons-grade plutonium.

Prosecutors unveil Ebisawa’s alleged quest to amass a formidable arsenal of military-grade weaponry, intended for an undisclosed rebel faction in Myanmar. The shopping list included an array of lethal hardware, from surface-to-air missiles to assault rifles and rocket launchers.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olden minced no words, condemning the audacious scheme that, if successful, could have unleashed catastrophic consequences on a global scale. With Ebisawa’s arrest imminent, the justice system vows to hold accountable those who jeopardize national security and international stability, reported BBC News.

The intricate web of deceit spun by Ebisawa dates back to February 2020, when he purportedly initiated contact with the DEA agent, cryptically warning of the health risks associated with uranium. Emails exchanged later that year revealed his brazen attempts to hawk 50 tonnes of uranium and thorium for a staggering US$6.85 million (approximately 245 million baht).

Charges pile up for Ebisawa, ranging from trafficking nuclear materials to narcotics importation and money laundering. Alongside his co-conspirator, 61 year old Thai national Somphop Singhasiri, the Japanese faces the grim prospect of a lifetime behind bars.