MUNICH, Oct 27: A German businessman went on trial in Germany on Thursday accused of illegally supplying Pakistan with equipment to build nuclear weapons. Rainer V., 61, has been charged with providing false information to the German authorities in order to obtain the necessary authorization to supply “dual use” equipment to Pakistani companies.

Prosecutors allege that Rainer V’s company, Munich-based Vacom GmbH, bought pumps, special ventilators and other equipment to be used for enriching uranium in violation of German laws governing foreign trade and weapons restrictions.

The equipment was shipped by plane from Munich and from boat from Hamburg or Bremen.

According to reports in the German press, the equipment was then probably forwarded to Kahuta, to the Khan Research laboratories of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan.

Dr Khan has admitted involvement in transferring nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

A verdict in the trial is expected on November 17.—AFP