Alarming trends in nuclear material traffic highlight urgent security gaps

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New data launched on Friday from the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (Iea) reveals that, while the total number remains in accordance with previous years, continuous incidents of traffic and radioactive contamination raise concerns about nuclear security.

Three of the reported cases were directly related to the malicious traffic or intention, while in 21 incidents, the authorities could not determine whether the criminal activity was involved.

Most incidents have not involved organized crime but experts warn this Even a single case of nuclear material that falls into the wrong hands could present serious global risks.

Radioactive goods

It was a disturbing trend in 2024 The growth of contaminated industrial materials, such as the pipes used and the metal parts that have entered unknown in supply chains.

“This indicates the challenge for some countries to prevent unauthorized elimination of radioactive sources and, at the same time, confirms the efficiency of the detection infrastructure,” said Elena Buglova, Director of IAEA nuclear security division.

Danger to movement

The transport of radioactive materials remains one of the most vulnerable nuclear security areas. In the last decade, 65 percent of all reported theft took place while the materials were in transit.

Nuclear and radioactive substances are transported regularly to be used in medicine, industry and scientific research, which makes them a potential target for theft. With so many different manipulators during transport, security gaps persist.

Experts underline the need for stronger safety measures, while the goods are moving to prevent the loss or stolen material.

Improved international cooperation is also essential to ensure adequate security on supply chains.

Request stronger security

IAEA plays an essential role in monitoring and preventing the fall of nuclear materials from the control of regulation.

In 2024, 32 of the 145 participating states presented reports, reflecting a continuous global effort to strengthen nuclear security.

“The incident reports presented by the countries participating in the ITDB (IAEA database) have strengthened the global efforts to combat illicit traffic and other unauthorized activities involving nuclear and other radioactive materials outside the regulatory control,” said Mrs. Buglova.

With nuclear threats in constant evolution, AIEA urges all states to gather its security measures – especially in transport, industrial use and elimination of radioactive materials.