Abstract:

On 3 October 2007, the Department of the Interior Directorate for Fighting Organized Crime (UBOP GUVD) conducted a sting operation as a result of which four Russian nationals, suspected of selling Osmium-187, were detained in Khimki (a Moscow suburb). The individuals, two residents of Moscow, and two residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, were arrested as they were trying to sell UBOP officials an ampoule containing 10.5 grams of osmium for $735,000 dollars. During the search, authorities seized a second ampoule labeled "Osmium-187," which contained an unspecified quantity of a cobalt and zinc mixture, along with fake certificates of authenticity and money. [1] An investigation is ongoing, and criminal proceedings were initiated against all four individuals. [1]

[A sale of 6.5 g of osmium was prevented in Podolsk (Moscow region) in the first half of 2007. Please see case 20070200 for more information.]

Abstract Number:  20070250
Headline:  Sotrudniki UBEP [sic] zaderzhali sbytchikov redkozemelnogo metalla osmiya [Authorities from the Department of the Interior Directorate for Fighting Organized Crime Detained Sellers of Osmium]
Date:  12 October 2007
Bibliography:  RIA Novosti
Material:  Waste/Scams/Contaminated Materials\

Source:

[1] V Khimkakh zaderzheny prodavtsy radioaktivnogo metalla [Sellers of radioactive metal detained in Khimki], RIA RBK, 12 October 2007; in Integrum Techno, http://www.integrum.ru/.{Entered 11/06/07 PT}