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