ARGENTINA: ANSWERS TO FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS ON

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000197 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR WHA/BSC AND ISN/WMDT DEPT FOR DS/CC AND DS/IP/WHA DOE FOR NNSA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG IAEA KNNP KCSA ASEC AR SUBJECT: ARGENTINA: ANSWERS TO FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS ON CS-137 ARRESTS REF: A. A) STATE 16872 ¶B. B) BUENOS AIRES 184 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (SBU) Following are Post's answers to questions raised, keyed to Ref A: A) The NRA confirms that it used equipment donated by DOE as part of the upgrade of their nuclear emergency response center. Two types of equipment were used: 1) a "SPARC", which was calibrated for CS-137 with a similar source provided by Baker Atlas and was so sensitive that it was able to detect the CS-137 source at 100 feet; 2) an "Identifinder", also donated by DOE as part of the upgrade. B) The general manager of Baker Atlas in Argentina told us that the container was submerged in a large bucket of water. There was no additional shielding, according both to the NRA and Baker Atlas. While its submersion made the material more difficult to detect, the NRA scanners were able to detect it nonetheless. As indicated earlier, the "SPARC" is an extremely sensitive piece of equipment. As for the criminals' intent, it was clearly to try to get a ransom for the return of the stolen material. There was no other destination for the material that we know of. C) The CS-137 is back in the possession of the company, according to both the NRA and Baker Atlas. D) The NRA does not plan to subject the container or the material to any further testing. NRA techicians confirm that the container was not opened, and so does Baker Atlas. E) The worldwide head of security for Baker Atlas traveled to Argentina to review security procedures. As a result of this incident, Baker Atlas is now reviewing its security procedures not only for this specific site but also for all similar sites worlwide, according to the company's general manager for Argentina. As for keys, he says there is only one key for each lock, and all keys are stored in the same place. There are not/not multiple keys issued to multiple individuals, according to the general manager. NRA officials are also reviewing the case, and recommendations for additional security procedures may come out of this evaluation. F) The Federal Police confirms that the amount asked by the criminals was USD 500,000. The general manager of Baker Atlas confirms that the source is back at the Baker Atlas facility and stored in the same bunker from which it was stolen. G) The one individual arrested was charged with robbery and extortion. The Federal Police and Baker Atlas believe that two individuals were involved in the theft, from the testimony of the guard that was subdued. The federal and provincial police are still looking for this second individual. Police and Baker Atlas believe that the motive was purely monetary. The individual arrested is Benjamin SORIA, DNI 21.038.237. He is an unemployed Argentine citizen, who had previously worked for Baker Atlas. The general manager of Baker Atlas added that Soria had not been a good employee, but that he voluntarily left Baker Atlas eight years ago. He received a mutually agreed compensation package at the time. As indicated earlier, both the Federal Police and Baker Atlas believe that the motive was purely financial gain. There is no information as to what the thieves would have done with the material if they had not been able to collect a ransom. There is no information nor any evidence that they are linked to criminal groups. ¶2. (U) Post will continue to report on this incident as more information becomes available. WAYNE