nuclear-news

Nuclear materials illegally transferred to Pakistan

Pakistani pleads guilty in U.S. nuclear export case WASHINGTON by James Vicini, Editing by Sandra Maler Sep 9, 2011 (Reuters) – A Pakistani national pleaded guilty on Friday in a U.S. court to conspiring to commit export violations in a scheme to illegally transfer nuclear-related materials to his home country from the United States….

Under his plea agreement, Akhtar, who owned a company called Computer Communication USA, admitted that he and his conspirators used the firm from 2005 through 2010 to obtain or attempt to get various nuclear-related devices and equipment.

The items, which included radiation detection devices, resins for coolant water purification and calibration and switching equipment, had a value of more than $400,000…..

It said Akhtar’s co-conspirators included individuals in Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and New York associated with the owner of the Pakistani trading company.

Washington has long been concerned with Pakistan’s nuclear program, which included the development of atomic weapons and added to regional tensions with its longtime rival, India.

September 10, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | safety, USA