Russian federal border guard officials reportedly said Sakashita has admitted to intentionally violating Russian territorial waters.

The indictment was filed with a court on Kunashiri Island.

"The prosecutor's office checked the investigators' materials accusing (Sakashita) of illegal crossing of the Russian state border and poaching in Russia's territorial waters," regional prosecutor Vitaly Khatsylev said.

The 4.9-ton Kisshin Maru No. 31 was seized by a Russian border patrol boat on Aug. 16 in waters near Russian-administered Kaigara Island just off the eastern tip of Hokkaido.

One of the crewmen was shot dead, while Sakashita and two other crewmen were detained. Russia released the two Aug. 30 but has kept Sakashita in custody, saying he bears a heavier responsibility.

The Japan Times Weekly: Sept. 9, 2006
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