Illicit Trafficking of Natural Radionuclides

摘要

Natural radionuclides have been subject to trafficking worldwide, involving naturaluranium ore (U 238), processed uranium (yellow cake), low enriched uranium (<20% U 235) orhighly enriched uranium (>20% U 235), radium (Ra 226), polonium (Po 210), and natural thoriumore (Th 232). An important prerequisite to successful illicit trafficking activities is access to asuitable logistical infrastructure enabling an undercover shipment of radioactive materials and, incase of trafficking natural uranium or thorium ore, capable of transporting large volumes ofmaterial. Covert en route diversion of an authorised uranium transport, together with covertdiversion of uranium concentrate from an operating or closed uranium mines or mills, are subject ofcase studies. Such cases, involving Israel, ban, Pakistan and Libya, have been analyzed in terms of internationalactorsinvolved and methods deployed. Using international incident data contained in the Database on NuclearSmuggling, Theft and Orphan Radiation Sources (DSTO) and international experience gained from the fightagainst drug trafficking, a generic Trafficking Pathway Model (TPM) is developed for trafficking of naturalradionuclides. The TPM covers the complete trafficking cycle, ranging from material diversion, covert materialtransport, material concealment, and all associated operational procedures. The model subdividesthe trafficking cycle into five phases: (1) Material diversion by insider(s) or initiation by outsider(s);(2) Covert transport; (3) Material brokerage; (4) Material sale; (5) Material delivery. An Action Planis recommended, addressing the strengthening of the national infrastructure for material protectionand accounting, development of higher standards of good governance, and needs for improving thecontrol system deployed by customs, border guards and security forces.