More Uranium On The Terrorist Market

Moldova seizes radioactive uranium from criminal group

In 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.

More Uranium Smuggling In Moldova

Moldova Seizes Radioactive Uranium, Detains Several People

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHISINAU, Moldova — Jun 24, 2016, 3:57 AM ET

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 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.

Uranium Smuggled From The Russian Horn

MOLDOVA: 7 ARRESTED SUSPECTED OF URANIUM SMUGGLING

Russian uranium smuggled through Moldova

from AP 10 Dec 2014

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Seven people have been detained in Moldova on suspicion they smuggled uranium and mercury in a metal container from Russia to be used in a dirty bomb, police said Tuesday.

House searches were carried out last week in the capital and two other towns and police confiscated 200 grams (7 ounces) of uranium-238 mixed with uranium-235, a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of mercury and an unidentified radioactive solid material. The material, smuggled by train, has a black-market value of 1.6 million euros ($2 million), police chief Ion Bodrug said.

Aided by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, authorities began investigating in January and a police officer was infiltrated into the group.

Those arrested are aged 32 to 75, belong to a criminal gang and have specialized knowledge in radioactive substances, authorities said. They have admitted their guilt, Bodrug said Tuesday.
Prosecutor Vladimir Mosneaga said the uranium had been transported on the train in a metal container specially adapted to diminish the effect of radiation.

“They had experience in the past with radioactive material and had certain links with other people,” Mosneaga said, without providing more details. Authorities gave no indication of the material’s eventual destination.

Police are cooperating with Ukrainian and Russian police to identify other gang members.

Five people were detained in June 2011 in Chisinau suspected of smuggling radioactive substances as they were attempting to sell a kilogram of uranium for 32 million euros. The buyers were believed to be in North Africa. The suspects were convicted and handed prison sentences of three to five years.

Uranium-238 can be enriched into the fissile material of nuclear warheads or converted into plutonium, also used to arm nuclear missiles.