Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB)
Established in 1995, the ITDB is the IAEA´s information system on incidents of illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities and events involving nuclear and radioactive materials. The ITDB is a unique asset helping participating States and selected international organizations in combating illicit nuclear trafficking and strengthening nuclear security. It is also an essential component of the information platform supporting the implementation of the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Plan.
The ITDB facilitates the exchange of authoritative information on incidents among States. As of 1 September 2009, 107 States participate in the ITDB Programme. In some cases, non-participating Member States have provided information to the ITDB.
The scope of the ITDB information is broad. It includes, but is not limited to, incidents involving illegal trade and movement of materials across borders. The scope covers incidents involving unauthorized acquisition (e.g. through theft), supply, possession, use, transfer or disposal of nuclear and other radioactive materials, whether intentionally or unintentionally, with or without crossing international borders. The scope also covers unsuccessful or thwarted acts of the above type, the loss of materials and the discovery of uncontrolled materials.
From January 1993 to December 2008, a total of 336 incidents involving unauthorized possession and related criminal activities were confirmed to the ITDB. Incidents included in this category involve illegal possession, movement, or attempts to illegally trade in or use nuclear materials or radioactive sources. Fifteen incidents in this category involved high enriched uranium (HEU) and Plutonium.
In addition, 421 reported incidents involved the theft or loss of nuclear or other radioactive materials and 724 cases involved other unauthorized activities, such as the unauthorized disposal of radioactive materials or discovery of "orphan sources". In the remaining 81 cases the reported information was not sufficient to determine the category of incident.
Information reported to the ITDB shows a persistent problem with the illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials, thefts, losses, and other unauthorized activities.
Learn more about the ITDB programme.
For further information please contact NuclearSecurity@iaea.org
