A Japanese yakuza member has been sentenced in New York for trafficking nuclear material, drugs and weapons. Photo / US Department of JusticeA Japanese yakuza member has been sentenced in New York for trafficking nuclear material, drugs and weapons. Photo / US Department of JusticeA member of Japan’s yakuza crime group was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a New York court today after being convicted of trafficking nuclear material as well as drugs and weapons. In February 2024, he was also accused of trying to sell military-grade nuclear material, with narcotics including heroin and methamphetamine, to buy weapons including surface-to-air missiles for armed groups in Myanmar. He pleaded guilty to a total of six charges in January 2025.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 04, 2026 15:17 UTC