A Japanese Yakuza gangster just got 20 years in federal prison for plotting to sell weapons-grade plutonium to Iran—proof that President Trump’s tough law enforcement is slamming the door on threats to American security.
Story Highlights
- Takeshi Ebisawa, 61-year-old Yakuza member, sentenced to 20 years on March 4, 2026, in New York federal court after pleading guilty to six counts of nuclear material, drug, and weapons trafficking.
- Ebisawa tried to sell weapons-grade plutonium to Iran and smuggle heroin, meth, and surface-to-air missiles to Myanmar armed groups, exposing global criminal networks targeting U.S. interests.
- DEA’s multi-year sting operation, with an undercover agent posing as an Iranian general, caught Ebisawa in Manhattan in April 2022—vindicating relentless pursuit of justice under strong leadership.
- This victory protects New Yorkers from drug floods and blocks rogue states like Iran from nuclear proliferation, a win for national security and border integrity.
Details of the Conviction
Takeshi Ebisawa pleaded guilty in January 2025 to six counts involving trafficking weapons-grade plutonium, uranium, heroin, methamphetamine, and military weapons including surface-to-air missiles. Federal Judge in New York City sentenced the 61-year-old Yakuza operative to 20 years imprisonment on March 4, 2026. Ebisawa targeted Iran as buyer for nuclear materials and armed groups in Myanmar for advanced weaponry. This case underscores the dangers of international crime syndicates infiltrating U.S. soil with threats to global stability. Law enforcement dismantled the plot through coordinated efforts across continents.
DEA Sting Operation Success
DEA agents launched a multi-year investigation leading to Ebisawa’s April 2022 arrest in Manhattan alongside Thai co-defendant Sompop Singhasiri. An undercover operative posed as an Iranian general to expose the plutonium sale attempt. Authorities classified this as one of the most serious transnational crimes, blending organized crime with weapons of mass destruction. Ebisawa’s guilty plea followed formal charges in February 2024. The operation protected American communities from narcotics flooding New York City and prevented fissile materials from reaching hostile actors.
President Trump’s administration has empowered agencies like DEA and DOJ to prioritize such high-stakes cases, rejecting weak globalist approaches that let criminals exploit borders. This conviction delivers real deterrence against threats undermining U.S. sovereignty and safety.
Official Statements Affirm Justice Served
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated Ebisawa tried to sell weapons-grade nuclear material and deadly narcotics, now facing 20 years thanks to partners working across three continents. Assistant U.S. Attorney for National Security emphasized accountability for flooding New York with dangerous drugs and arming Iran. Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg echoed that Ebisawa must answer for attempting to sell plutonium to Iran. These remarks highlight the case’s gravity as a national security triumph.
US Court Sentences Japanese Yakuza Gangster to Twenty Years in Prison for Trafficking Drugs, Weapons and Nuclear Material | The Gateway Pundit | by Paul Serranhttps://t.co/Dq4DK2XyWw
— Jerry Dean Bowers (@vipertoxin) March 5, 2026
Ebisawa has served about four years since arrest, with the 20-year term reflecting charge severity. Co-defendant Singhasiri’s status remains unclear, but the primary network disruption stands firm. This prosecution sets precedent against Yakuza evolution into nuclear markets.
Sources:
Thairath: U.S. Court Sentences Japanese Yakuza Member to 20 Years for Nuclear Material Trafficking
The Gateway Pundit: US Court Sentences Japanese Yakuza Gangster to Twenty Years
Strait Times: US court convicts Japanese Yakuza for trafficking nuclear material
Ground News: US Court convicts Japanese Yakuza for trafficking nuclear material
