Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Since 1993, more than half of all registeredIncident and Trafficking Database (ITDB)) cases of theft of nuclear and other radioactive material occurred during authorized transport, with this figure rising to nearly 70% over the past decade. New data, published today by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), highlight the need for continued vigilance in nuclear security during transport.
Of the 4,626 incidents recorded in the ITDB between 1993 and 2025, 730 involved the theft of radioactive material, including attempted thefts. Of these, nearly 55% occurred during transport, and in more than 59% of those cases—approximately 400 incidents—the stolen radioactive material was never recovered.
"Nuclear and other radioactive material remains vulnerable to nuclear security threats during transport, and, based on the ITDB, nuclear security needs to be systematically strengthened," said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA's Division of Nuclear Security. "The IAEA, upon request, assists countries in strengthening their national nuclear security regimes to ensure the safe handling of such material and its full protection from criminal or intentional unauthorized acts during transport."
The ITDB is the IAEA's information system that stores data on illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities, as well as events involving nuclear and other radioactive material outside regulatory control. While most incidents are not related to illicit trafficking or malicious intent, their occurrence highlights unresolved issues in transport security, regulatory controls, disposal practices, and detection.
In 2025, 34 of the 145 ITDB member states reported 263 incidents. This figure is higher than the 147 incidents reported in 2024, but this increase is due to retrospective reporting.
The ITDB covers all types of nuclear material—including uranium, plutonium, and thorium—as well as natural and artificial radioisotopes and radioactively contaminated material found in scrap metal. The ITDB continues to report incidents at scrap metal recycling facilities involving industrial goods contaminated with radioactive material. This demonstrates that for some countries, ensuring the physical security of disused radioactive sources and detecting cases of their unauthorized disposal remains a pressing issue.
The ITDB fact sheet is being released to coincide with this week's event. International Conference on the Safe and Secure Transport of Nuclear and Radioactive MaterialsAccording to the IAEA, millions of shipments of nuclear and other radioactive materials are transported annually for peaceful purposes in energy, medicine, education, agriculture, and industry.
The conference provides a forum for representatives of the international shipping system to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and key factors facilitating the transport of nuclear and other radioactive material while respecting nuclear safety and security requirements. The conference will address legal and regulatory aspects, transport packaging design, operations, trade and logistics considerations, and innovative technologies that could impact nuclear and physical safety of transportation.
Information about ITDB
The ITDB facilitates the international exchange of information on incidents involving nuclear and other radioactive material no longer subject to regulatory control due to loss, theft, improper disposal, or other negligent handling. The database also includes reports of material being transferred under regulatory control through various means, including the discovery of orphan radioactive sources at scrap metal recycling facilities. Data is provided to the ITDB on a voluntary basis, and full access is available only to participating states, with limited access available to international organizations such as the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The ITDB contains information on incidents involving nuclear material, radioisotopes, and radioactively contaminated material. By reporting lost or stolen material to the ITDB, countries increase the chances of its recovery and reduce the likelihood of its use in criminal activities. States can also report acts of fraud or deception involving information allegedly related to the presence of nuclear or other radioactive material.
States wishing to become participants in the ITDB should submit a request to the IAEA through official channels (i.e., their permanent mission, the ministry of foreign affairs, or the national nuclear security authority).
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.