Abstract:

A citizen of Russia and a citizen of Ukraine were convicted in Novoshakhtinsk, Rostov oblast, for conspiring to smuggle radioactive substances into Russia and sell them. According to the information provide by the Federal Security Service (FSB), Vasiliy Martinovich of Ukraine and Yuriy Syshchikov of Russia agreed on a scheme whereby Martinovich would procure nuclear and radioactive materials and smuggle them into Russia, and Syshchikov would find buyers.

The two men were arrested in February 2008 as a result of a sting operation in which an FSB officer posed as a potential buyer. The investigation revealed that Martinovich smuggled into Russia 21.209 grams of metal uranium-238, crossing the border on foot to avoid inspections and detection. When talking to the “buyer,” Martinovich and Syshchikov presented the gram quantities of uranium as a sample and said they were ready to sell over 3.5 kg of the substance.[1] Media reports did not mention the origin of uranium metal.

Martinovich was sentenced to seven years and Syshchikov to six year in prison, as well as a fine of 900,000 rubles each.

Sources:

[1] "Uran-patrioty" ["Uranium Patriots"], 161.ru, 25 December 2008. {Entered GM}

Abstract Number:  20090070
Headline:  Two men convicted for smuggling uranium
Date:  25 December 2008
Bibliography:  "Ukraintsa i russkogo posadili za kontrabandu uranda," Lenta.ru, 25 December 2008.
Material:  Uranium