Belgian pleads not guilty to US export violations

Nicholas Kaiga stands accused of seeking to export aluminum tubes that are ‘controlled for nuclear proliferation purposes’

CHICAGO — A 36-year-old Belgian businessman has pleaded not guilty to trying to ship products that could be used in nuclear-related programs from a Chicago-area company to Malaysia, via Belgium.

Nicholas Kaiga entered the plea Thursday, standing in a Chicago federal court in orange jail garb and with his legs shackled.

He’s accused of seeking to export aluminum tubes that prosecutors say are “controlled for nuclear proliferation purposes” and can be used “in the aerospace industry, among other applications.”

Prosecutors added that a Malaysian company involved is a “front company” for someone “located at times in Iran.” They didn’t elaborate.

Kaiga lives in Brussels and London. He was arrested in June in New York. He faces multiple charges, including violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Kaiga’s lawyer declined comment Thursday.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.