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concerns grew over unsecured nuclear Sampling, contamination control, and

materials in the region. In 2003 and data integrity: Proper sampling-
2006, Georgian police intercepted including mechanical or chemical

attempts to smuggle highly enriched collection, purification, and
uranium (HEU) across the border. contamination prevention- is critical.
The material, concealed in containers,

was intended for sale on the black
market.

Nuclear forensic experts analyzed the

seized samples using isotopic and
chemical fingerprinting. The results

revealed that the uranium had
enrichment levels consistent with
reactor-grade material and bore

signatures linking it to a specific
Image 3:How forensic signatures serve
production route. This information
to reduce the number of possible origins
not only confirmed the material’s
Source: https://seaborg.llnl.gov/sites/seaborg/files/2022-
origin but also provided intelligence 12/2022_llnl_seaborg_nf_summer_program_report.pdf
on potential insider theft or lapses in

material protection.
Conclusion And

The case was significant because it
demonstrated how nuclear forensics Future Outlook

could move beyond simple detection,
Nuclear forensics has proven itself as a vital
enabling ‘attribution of material to its
discipline at the intersection of science,
source’. The findings supported
security, and justice. By enabling
prosecutions in Georgian courts and
investigators to trace the origin, history, and
also helped strengthen international
intended use of illicit nuclear and
cooperation to secure nuclear
radiological materials, it strengthens both
stockpiles in the region (International
national safety and global stability. The case
Atomic Energy Agency).
studies demonstrate that this science is not
limited to theory—it plays a real-world role
Mexico Cobalt-60 Theft (2013)
in preventing threats and supporting
prosecutions.
In December 2013, a truck
As the global landscape of security threats
transporting a disused radiotherapy
evolves, so too must nuclear forensics.
machine containing cobalt-60 was