Arrested German Businessman Reportedly Attempted to Sell Nuclear-Weapons Technology to Iran

A German businessman arrested last week on suspicion of attempting to smuggle nuclear weapons-related technology reportedly planned to send the material to Iran, according to Agence France-Presse (see GSN, Sept. 24).

The German magazine Der Spiegel reported today that the 53-year-old businessman, identified as Helmut R., was arrested in connection with the foiled transfer of 24 long-distance detonators, which are used in nuclear weapons, AFP reported. While German authorities did not release the destination for the blocked shipment, Der Spiegel reported that the intended recipient was suspected to be Iran, according to AFP.

Helmut R. has been released on bail, German prosecutors said (Agence France-Presse/TurkishPress.com, Sept. 25).

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