Alarming nuclear thefts: 55% of stolen materials since 1993 occurred during transport

Vienna, Austria – The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has revealed that more than half of all nuclear material thefts since 1993 – 55% – occurred during transport. This raises serious concerns about the security of these sensitive materials globally.

The IAEA explained that this figure reflects critical weaknesses in transport and storage chains, including land, sea, and air transport. This makes nuclear materials vulnerable to theft or illegal leakage if stringent security and safety measures are not implemented.

Nuclear experts emphasized that strengthening the protection of nuclear materials during transport is a top priority. Any security breach could pose environmental and health risks. Furthermore, there is the potential for their use in illicit activities, including the production of nuclear weapons or dangerous radioactive materials.

These statistics are included in a periodic IAEA report. The report highlights the need to update transport protocols and strengthen control measures. It also emphasizes the importance of training specialized teams to address any potential threats, thereby minimizing risks to the international community. Analysts believe that this data presents the international community with a double challenge: preserving the scientific benefits of nuclear energy, while simultaneously preventing any leakage or theft that could destabilize global security.