STCU News and Announcements
TTX on Combating Illicit Nuclear Trafficking in GUAM
421/49510 Dec 2024 - 12 Dec 2024
December 10-12, 2024, the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) organized a Table Top Exercise (TTX) on Combating Illicit Nuclear Trafficking in GUAM member states. The event took place in Chisinau, Moldova, and was part of the STCU's Targeted Initiative on Nuclear Forensics, funded by the European Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA).
The presence of nuclear and other radioactive materials outside regulatory control poses a significant threat to global security. Criminal groups and terrorists may seek to acquire these materials for malicious purposes. Despite ongoing efforts to enhance nuclear security in the region, incidents involving the illicit trafficking of such materials demand a coordinated response across multiple agencies. When materials are seized, tasks such as ensuring security, providing radiation protection, collecting and preserving evidence, and conducting investigations must be managed simultaneously for an effective response.
The TTX brought together nuclear and radiological measurement specialists, law enforcement officers, and other stakeholders to improve responsiveness to incidents involving nuclear or radioactive materials and strengthen regional cooperation. Participants engaged in realistic scenarios simulating a radiological incident, testing their skills in investigating nuclear and radiological crimes and inter-agency coordination. They also discussed, vetted and consolidated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assess response mechanisms, improve evidence handling, and support the successful prosecution of perpetrators.
The training was attended by representatives from:
• National Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activities (NARNRA), Moldova
• General Police Inspectorate, Moldova
• Customs Service Laboratory, Moldova
• General Inspectorate of Border Police, Moldova
• General Prosecutor's Office, Moldova
• “National Nuclear Research Center” CJSC, Azerbaijan
• Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia
• LEPL Agency of Nuclear and Radiation Safety, Georgia
• State Security Service of Ukraine
• Institute for Nuclear Research, Ukraine
• Centre for Ecological Problems of Atomic Energy, Ukraine
Each agency reported on its activities within the exercise framework. Operational and technical functions were demonstrated effectively, and the Standard Operating Procedures for individual agencies were found to be fit for purpose.