Germany and Russia Engage in Plutonium Smuggling Row

German and Russian officials are embroiled in a bitter dispute over the origin of a massive cache of deadly plutonium seized by Bavarian police last week, with Bonn insisting it came from Russia. The row has strained relations between the two countries, with Germany accusing Moscow of inadequate control over its nuclear facilities and failing to crack down on mafia gangs smuggling bomb-making materials out of Russia. The controversy comes as concerns grow about the security of Russia's nuclear sector, with environmental groups warning of the dangers of plutonium falling into the wrong hands.

Key Takeaways:

• Bavarian Interior Minister Guenter Backstein stated that it is "safe to assume" that the plutonium originated from a Russian nuclear plant.
• Russian officials claim they have no evidence of a leak of weapons-grade plutonium from Russia, with the Russian Nuclear Ministry stating that there have been no cases of the theft or disappearance of plutonium 239 in the country.
• German officials contend that radioactive materials discovered in Germany were not stolen from nuclear plants but knowingly diverted by corrupt officials and underpaid scientists desperate for cash.
• Chancellor Helmut Kohl ordered a senior government nuclear expert to travel to Russia for talks with President Boris Yeltsin aimed at determining the source of the plutonium.
• Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel demanded a "new control system for plutonium" and stated that the illegal trade in plutonium represents "a considerable threat to international security."
• Between 300 and 350 grams of 87-percent pure plutonium 239 were seized by police in last week's operation.
• Three couriers, including a Columbian and two Spaniards, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
• The plutonium was discovered at Munich airport on a Lufthansa flight en route from Russia.
• German officials stated that it takes 5 kg to make a nuclear bomb and that only six to eight kilograms of high-quality plutonium are needed to build a nuclear bomb.

Statistics:

• 300-350 grams of 87-percent pure plutonium 239 were seized by police.
• 387.5 million marks ($250 million) was the price quoted by the plutonium dealers for four kilograms of bomb-making material.
• 5 kg is the amount of plutonium needed to make a nuclear bomb.
• 6-8 kilograms of high-quality plutonium are needed to build a nuclear bomb.
• 180 tons of plutonium are stored in Russia, enough for 36,000 bombs.

Sources:

• Reuters, August 15, 1995
• Interfax, August 15, 1995 (cited as stating that Bonn had substantial proof the plutonium came from Russia)
• Itar-Tass, August 15, 1995 (cited as quoting Georgy Kaurov, a spokesman for the Russian Nuclear Ministry)
• Greenpeace, (cited as stating that there are 180 tons of plutonium stored in Russia)
• The New York Times, (cited as stating that FBI director Louis Freeh visited Moscow to discuss cooperation with Russian police in fighting the nuclear mafia)