The court pronounced the sentence on Wednesday. (File photo)

Guwahati: A Thai businessman accused of helping the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) procure arms and ammunition through an international network has been sentenced to six years in prison by a special NIA court in New Delhi.

The Special Exclusive Court-03 for NIA Cases at Rouse Avenue District Courts also imposed a Rs 5 lakh fine on Willy Naruenartwanich, who was described by the National Investigation Agency as an intermediary in the alleged arms procurement conspiracy.

The court pronounced the sentence on Wednesday, after convicting Naruenartwanich on September 24, 2026 under Sections 120B and 122 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The case was registered by the NIA in January 2010 following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to the NIA investigation, Naruenartwanich, who was based in Bangkok, played a key role in facilitating an international arrangement to procure lethal arms and ammunition for the NSCN (IM).

Investigators alleged that he worked with Anthony Shimray, identified as the outfitโ€™s chief arms procurer, and helped facilitate negotiations with a Chinese arms and ammunition company.

The proposed procurement and transshipment deal was valued at around 1.2 million US dollars, according to the investigation.

The NIA alleged that the weapons were intended to strengthen the outfitโ€™s armed cadres and support terrorist activities, and constituted preparatory acts for waging war against the Government of India.

The sentencing marks a fresh development in the long-running case concerning the alleged international network through which the NSCN (IM) sought to procure arms and ammunition from foreign sources.