YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) Three people are under arrest on suspicion of attempting to export to Myanmar without a government permit a measuring instrument that could be used in weapons production, according to the Kanagawa Prefectural Police.
The suspects arrested Monday allegedly attempted to export in January a magnetic measuring device that could be converted to produce missiles and other weapons of mass destruction.
The gauge was to be sent from Yokohama port to Myanmar via Malaysia, the police said.
The three suspects are Keiko Ri, 41, president of Tokyo-based trading house Toko Boeki, Miaki Katsuki, 75, president of machinery maker Riken Denshi Co., and Yasuhiko Muto, 57, president of trading house Taikyo Sangyo Co. All three have admitted to the charge, the police said.