Moldova seizes radioactive uranium from criminal groupIn this May 27, 2015 photo, former Moldovan police investigator Constantin Malic pauses during an interview in Chisinau, Moldova. In 2009, Malic was a 27-year-old police officer when he first stumbled upon the nuclear black market. There have been at least four attempts in the past five years in which criminal networks sought to sell radioactive material to extremists through Moldova. (Vadim Ghirda / AP)
By Associated Press
Fri., June 24, 2016
CHISINAU, MOLDOVA — Moldovan intelligence officials say they have seized an “imposing quantity” of radioactive uranium from a criminal group and detained several people.
The Moldovan Intelligence and Security Service on Friday said the uranium was due to be sold for $210,000 (U.S.) but did not say how big the haul was.
In a statement, it said “a criminal group specializing in smuggling radioactive substances was uncovered.”
It said there was an ongoing investigation into where the uranium came from and how the detained people got involved.
An Associated Press investigation revealed in 2015 that there have been at least four attempts in the past five years in which criminal networks with suspected Russian ties sought to sell radioactive material to extremists through Moldova.
