Atom Iz Steklyannykh Banok

Nov. 8, 1995

Abstract:

This articles reviews incidents involving radioactive materials smuggling and diversion. It cites the smuggling of seven tons of Ukrainian zirconium into the United States. It also states that an IAEA inspection at the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology found 75 kg of HEU, five times more than had been declared. In addition, three glass jars containing 100 kg of zirconium pellets enriched with uranium were reportedly found in a Kiev apartment belonging to a former Russian officer. Experts reportedly said that there was enough nuclear material in the 100 kg to create a nuclear device. The apartment had been searched in connection with the murder of Vladislav Listev, a powerful figure in the Russian television industry.

It also was reported that in Russia there were 900 illegal attempts to gain access to nuclear installations. In 700 of these instances, personnel from the installations were involved.

Abstract Number: 19952160
Headline: Atom Iz Steklyannykh Banok
Date: 2 November 1995 - 8 November 1995
Bibliography: Obshchaya Gazeta, p. 4
Author: Arkadiy Romm
Material: zirconium

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.