Japanese Mafia Leader Convicted for Trafficking Nuclear Material to Iran

Takeshi Ebisawa sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring to traffic nuclear material, drugs, and weapons.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Takeshi Ebisawa, a 61-year-old member of Japan's yakuza crime group, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by a New York court on Tuesday for trafficking nuclear material as well as drugs and weapons. Ebisawa has been jailed since April 2022 on the related charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of nuclear proliferation and the involvement of organized crime groups in the illicit trade of dangerous materials. The conviction of a high-ranking yakuza member sends a strong message about the consequences of such criminal activities.

The details

Ebisawa was convicted of conspiring to traffic nuclear material, as well as drugs and weapons, to Iran. Authorities say he has been a member of the yakuza, Japan's notorious organized crime syndicate, for decades and used his criminal connections to orchestrate the international trafficking scheme.

  • Ebisawa has been jailed since April 2022 on the related charges.
  • Ebisawa was sentenced on March 3, 2026.

The players

Takeshi Ebisawa

A 61-year-old member of Japan's yakuza crime group who was convicted of trafficking nuclear material, drugs, and weapons.

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What’s next

Authorities will continue to monitor the yakuza and other organized crime groups for any further attempts to traffic nuclear materials or other illicit goods.

The takeaway

This conviction demonstrates the serious consequences faced by those who attempt to traffic nuclear materials and other dangerous goods, even when they have the backing of powerful criminal organizations.