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Israeli Businessman Sentenced in Plot to Ship Nuclear Detonation Devices
WASHINGTON (AP) - An Israeli businessman who conspired to ship controlled nuclear technology to Pakistan was sentenced to three years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Ricardo Urbina on Thursday imposed the sentence on Asher Karni, who pleaded guilty last year to helping ship devices that could be used to test, develop and detonate nuclear weapons. Karni, who was based in South Africa, admitted routing sophisticated oscilloscopes and high-speed electrical switches through South Africa to avoid raising authorities' suspicions. The scopes and the switches were then shipped to Pakistan. A federal indictment is pending against Humayun A. Khan, a Pakistan businessman who the government says was Karni's partner. Khan remains at large. A Pakistani with the last name of Khan involved in smuggling nuclear weapons parts? Another "Family Affair" moment, perhaps, or are all guys named Khan crooked? More later. The United States prohibits the export of the switches - also known as "triggered spark gaps," which can be used in medical and military devices - to Pakistan and some other countries to prevent nuclear proliferation. Karni was arrested on New Year's Day 2004 as he entered the U.S. at Denver International Airport. Additional: Did a Google on Humayun A. Khan and found this guy: The most elusive character in the case of the U.S. nuclear triggers shipped illegally to Pakistan is Islamabad businessman Humayun Khan. Khan has been indicted by the U.S. Justice Department but he remains free in Pakistan, where he insists he is innocent. His South African collaborator, Asher Karni, has already pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing in a Brooklyn prison. Khan is the owner of Pakland PME Corporation, which has long-standing ties to the Pakistani military. Follow the link and check out Humayun A. Khan's photo. Now open this link in another window and check out a photo of Humayun Akhtar Khan, the Pakistani Minister of Commerce. Do they look like the same guy to you, with a better haircut. Posted by: Steve 2005-08-05 |
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