The case of a Tokyo-based company suspected of trying to export electronic devices to North Korea that could be used in the development of nuclear weapons was sent to prosecutors Wednesday.
Kim Hak Chun, 52, president of the Meishin trading company in Ota Ward, allegedly tried to export direct current control devices in violation of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law.
Government officials say the devices could be used to stabilize the flow of power to uranium-enrichment centrifugal separators. They can also be used in missile launchers, they said.
Police believe Kim tried to export three of the devices to North Korea via a Thai communications firm without obtaining permission from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The vessel carrying the devices left Kobe on April 4, but they were seized by customs officials in Hong Kong at the request of the National Police Agency.