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Japanese prosecutors take lead in defense leaks probe

Japanese prosecutors have taken over the investigation of four military instructors who allegedly leaked sensitive defense technology in a widening scandal, police said yesterday.

Police suspect the four men -- all naval academy instructors -- leaked classified data to students in violation of a Japan-US security pact, police in Kanagawa Prefecture said in a statement sent to prosecutors.

A Kanagawa police spokesman read the statement over the telephone on condition of anonymity, citing department policy. The men's names were not released as they have not been arrested, he said.

The data involves US-developed technology for Aegis radar systems used on several Japanese destroyers and US warships carrying missile interceptors.

The case surfaced in March, when police found the information on a computer disk in an unrelated investigation.

Earlier this month, police arrested another naval officer, Sumitaka Matsuuchi, for allegedly leaking the information in August 2002.

Prosecutors took over the investigation of another former naval academy instructor last week.
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