Computer Model Could Detect Nuclear Smuggling

A U.S. researcher has developed a computer program that uses reports of illicit nuclear trafficking to try to identify larger smuggling networks, Science Daily reported today (see GSN, Jan. 3).

Sandia National Laboratories researcher David York said his model has described the network headed by former top Pakistani nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan (see GSN, Nov. 27, 2006).

“By using a cluster analysis algorithm coded into a program,” York said, “I evaluated those traffic patterns and routes in which thefts, seizures and other destinations of materials were reported.  Data from these examinations were enough to allow me to retrospectively depict the A.Q. Khan network before it was uncovered.”

Using his model could help detect smuggling efforts that continue today.

“The number of incidents and the quantity and quality of material seized is disturbing,” York said, “particularly because this may represent a small percentage of the actual amount of material being trafficked” (Science Daily, Jan. 18).

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