73.5 kg of Natural Uranium Stolen from Storage Depot in Romania

April 25, 2012

Abstract:

On 26 October 2011, the Romanian Commission for the Control of Nuclear Activities (CNCAN) was informed of the disappearance of eight 3.5-meter long cylindrical containers holding 73.5 kg of what reports describe as "uranium ore." The material is believed to have been stolen from a depot at Stei, Northern Romania. The theft was reportedly discovered by employees who were going to prepare it for transfer to Feldioara for processing. The time of the theft is unknown. A former engineer was quoted saying that the material could have been stolen three months or even a year ago. Several suspects have been reportedly identified; they will be interrogated.

Abstract Number: 20110300
Headline: 73.5 kg of Natural Uranium Stolen from Storage Depot in Romania
Date: 26 October 2011
Bibliography: "74 kilos of uranium ore stolen from Romania depot," Agence France Presse, 1 November 2011, via www.factiva.com
Material: Natural Uranium

This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, or agents. Copyright © 2011 by MIIS.

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This article is part of a collection examining reported incidents of nuclear or radioactive materials trafficking in or originating from the Newly Independent States.