VIENNA—The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has disclosed that nearly 150 incidents of illegal or unauthorized activity involving nuclear and other radioactive materials were reported worldwide last year. Although the overall number remains in line with data from previous years, officials say the recurrence of trafficking attempts and contamination cases underscores enduring risks for global nuclear security.
According to the new report released on Friday, three of the recorded incidents were directly linked to trafficking or malicious intent, while authorities could not confirm whether criminal activity was involved in 21 additional cases. Although most incidents did not appear to involve organized crime, IAEA experts emphasize that even a single instance of nuclear material winding up in the wrong hands can have severe consequences for international safety.
A worrisome development throughout 2024 is the surge in industrial goods—like used pipes and metal parts—being discovered with radioactive contamination. These items inadvertently entered supply chains in some countries, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing disposal measures. Nonetheless, IAEA Division of Nuclear Security Director Elena Buglova also sees a positive side to these discoveries, pointing out that “the detection of contaminated materials confirms that monitoring systems are functioning properly where they are in place.”
Transportation remains an especially vulnerable link in the chain. Over the past decade, 65 percent of reported thefts took place during transit. Because radioactive substances are routinely used in medicine, industry, and research, moving them involves multiple logistical steps, from loading and shipping to storage, each creating potential security gaps. Experts believe that reinforcing safety protocols at every stage—including better tracking systems and regular oversight—could significantly reduce incidents of theft or loss.
The IAEA continues to stress the importance of information sharing and collaborative measures among its 145 member states. Thirty-two states submitted data to the IAEA’s Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) in 2024, helping authorities gauge global patterns in unauthorized radioactive material handling. “Incident reports submitted by participating countries to the ITDB over the past 30 years have strengthened global efforts to combat illicit trafficking,” said Buglova.
Still, with threats evolving rapidly, the agency calls on all nations to intensify their security controls, particularly around transportation, industrial use, and disposal of radioactive sources. By closing security loopholes and bolstering detection systems across supply chains, experts believe the international community can collectively curb the risks associated with radioactive material misuse.
See the report below.
