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Americium seizure conducted in Dimitrovgrad
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| Abstract Number: |
20070090 |
| Headline: |
Yadernaya Ataka [Nuclear Attack] |
| Date: |
12 February 2007 |
| Bibliography:
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Tvoy Den |
| Author: |
Irina Kharitonova |
| Orig. Src.:
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| Case:
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| Material:
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Thorium and Other Nuclear Materials |
Abstract:
In Dimitrovgrad, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) apprehended three men
allegedly in possession of a container of Americium-241, Tvoy Den
reported on 12 February 2007. However, it is unclear whether the operation was a
part of a training exercise or whether it was indeed a seizure. Special Forces
reportedly conducted the operation to arrest the individuals, who
were in a vehicle parked near a shopping center. The ampoule, which contained
300 grams of Americium-241, was seized from the back seat of the vehicle.[1]
Because some of the material reportedly leaked out of its container, the vehicle
was sealed with cellophane in preparation for destruction in a secured burial
site.
While the Americium-241 may have been stolen from the
All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (NIIAR), the
Institute Director General Aleksandr Bichkov was quoted as saying that
no missing radioactive materials were reported in 2006. Sources from the
institute were quoted as speculating that the whole operation was merely part of
an FSB training exercise; however, FSB sources have indicated that the material
was likely stolen in the early 1990s and kept in a garage. Reportedly, all three
of the arrested men were former Dimitrovgrad police employees. It remains unclear, if this case is indeed a seizure, who
the clients may have been and who was responsible for smuggling the container from
the institute.
[1] “Terroristi
khoteli otravit rossiyan” [Terrorists wanted to poison Russians] Utro.ru, 12
February 2007; http://www.utro.ru/.
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