The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) has foiled an attempt to export a kilogram of radioactive cesium-137 abroad.
More specifically and according to new reports from Russian state media, suspects of illegal export of cesium-137 (cesium-137) were arrested in Russia. This was stated on Friday, June 23 by the FSB itself in its disclosure.
Five people were remanded in custody, who attempted to transport one kilogram of this radioactive material out of the country. Specifically, members of an organized crime group are said to have acted under the direction of a Ukrainian national coordinator, who is described as the "mastermind" of the ring.
"The criminal group, acting for the benefit of a foreign client, attempted to evade legal regulations and prohibitions regarding the acquisition of one kilogram of the isotope caesium-137 worth 3.5 million euros, so as to smuggle the radioactive substance from the Russian Federation to abroad and, by extension, to be used against Russian interests during the special military operation in Ukraine," said the country's Federal Security Service.
It was also noted that the cesium-137 was intended to be used abroad for "staged use of weapons of mass destruction" so as to damage Russia's reputation.
The arrested suspects are now speaking to the investigator. A criminal case under Article 220, which deals with illegal handling of radioactive substances, and Article 30, which relates to preparation for smuggling of radioactive substances, has been formally launched.
Cesium-137 (Cs-137) is a radioactive isotope of cesium and one of the most common fission products of uranium-235 in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.
Yesterday, Thursday, June 22, it became known that the Russian service arrested a saboteur of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Melitopol. The members of the Ukrainian saboteur group intended to blow up railway lines, just as a train with military equipment and cargo for the Russian army was passing.
The Ukrainians were caught removing the explosive device from its shipping box and preparing to place it on the tracks.
In this case, the charges against them are terrorist act (under Article 205) and support to terrorist act (under Article 205.1). The Ukrainians were remanded in custody.
