REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON A POTENTIAL

S E C R E T STATE 058302 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2019 TAGS: KNNP MNUC ASEC KCRM PARM PINR AF XD SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON A POTENTIAL NUCLEAR SMUGGLING INCIDENT REF: A. KABUL 001317 6-1-09 ¶B. STATE 30541 3-8-09 Classified By: ISN Acting DAS Marguerita Ragsdale ¶1. (U) This is an action request for Embassy Kabul. Please see paragraph 4. ¶2. (SBU) BACKGROUND: According to REF A, on May 17, 2009, an International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) contract employee notified the Regional Security Officer (RSO) that the Afghan National Police (ANP) were aware of an individual allegedly attempting to smuggle radiological or nuclear material in a "Russian canister" from Kabul to Iran and had been in contact with a former Russian General based in Tajikistan. The INL employee did not see the canister but was provided with photographs contained on a CD-ROM disc. Two pictures of the canister included red and black handwritten lettering containing acronyms, such as "P 239" and "CCCP," and a hand-drawn skull-and-crossbones. ¶3. (S//NF) ASSESSMENT: Washington greatly appreciates reporting on alleged attempts to smuggle radiological and nuclear materials. Based on assessments of previous trafficking incidents in the region, this is most likely a scam, associated with profit-driven motives. However, there are cases where an alleged scam substance turned out to be genuine material of concern. For example, in 1994, it was reported that German authorities had confiscated a "red mercury" mixture that contained Plutonium-239 (BONN 18857, 05/AUG/1994). In this case, Washington cannot definitely rule out the possibility that the canister contains radiological or nuclear material and remains interested in the allegation that a former Russian General is involved. Washington would like to obtain answers to the questions in Paragraph 6 to clarify information gaps and potentially rule out the involvement of any dangerous materials or smuggling networks. ¶4. (S//NF) ACTION REQUEST: Post is requested to seek answers to the following questions to clarify information gaps related to this incident. Please note that according to the APP - Red Report, the ANP officer's knowledge of this information is to be kept confidential. Therefore, Washington advises Post against approaching any other GOA officials for follow-up. Since further information at this point should only be pursued from the available sources in the reporting stream (INL employee, ANP officer),Post may wish to consult with GRPO or others in planning follow-up. If possible, Post is requested to provide a coordinated response to the questions below via front-channel cable. ¶5. (SBU) REPORTING DEADLINE: Department requests that Post respond via front-channel cable no later than June 17, 2009. ¶6. (S//NF) FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS: --Washington would like to learn more about the circumstances in which the CD was obtained. Who actually took the photos stored on the CD? --Was anyone aware of any personal security precautions that were taken when in proximity to the canister? Did anyone experience any physical effects such as redness of skin or blistering when in close proximity to the canister? --What is the full name of the individual allegedly attempting to smuggle the material? If possible, please also provide a physical description, approximate date of birth, languages spoken, kunyas, phone numbers or other contact information and associates/affiliations. --What is the name of the former Russian General in Tajikistan that is involved with the smuggling of the canister? How did the former General obtain the canister and from whom? --What are the names and affiliations of other parties involved in smuggling the canister from Kabul to Iran? --Who are the potential buyers/interested parties for the canister? What is the buyers intended use for the nuclear/radiological material? --How will the canister be transported? What safety precautions will be taken? What is the intended route for the transport of the canister? Describe cities and roads used. How will the smugglers pass the canister through the Afghan-Iran border? Who will facilitate the transport? --What is the intended destination for the canister? Please provide location details on the persons or facility that the canister is being smuggled to. ¶7. Washington appreciates Post's assistance. Contact Aryn Lester (lesterab@state.gov, 202-736-7695 in ISN/WMDT for more information on the details. CLINTON