The new data from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) underlines the need for continued vigilance in transport security. More than half of all thefts of nuclear and other radioactive material reported since 1993 occurred during authorised transport, with the share rising to nearly 70% in the past decade.
Of the 4626 reported incidents in the ITDB from 1993 to 2025, 730 were thefts of radioactive material, including attempted thefts. Almost 55% of those thefts occurred during transport, and in more than 59% of those transport-related cases (about 400 incidents) the stolen radioactive material has not been recovered.
“Nuclear and other radioactive material remains vulnerable to security threats during transport, and data from the ITDB underscores the continued need to strengthen security,” said Elena Buglova, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “The IAEA assists countries, upon request, in enhancing their national nuclear security regimes to ensure that such materials are securely managed and fully protected against criminal or intentional unauthorized acts during their transport.”
In 2025, 236 incidents were reported by 34 of the 145 ITDB participating states. Although this is more than in 2024 (147) the increase is attributed to retrospective reporting.
ITDB data is voluntarily reported, and only participating states can fully access it, while international organisations, such as the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), the United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime (UNODC) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), have limited access.
The ITDB covers incidents involving nuclear material, radioisotopes and radioactively contaminated material. By reporting lost or stolen material to the ITDB, countries increase the chances of its recovery and reduce the opportunities for it to be used in criminal activities. States can also report scams or hoaxes where the material is purported to be nuclear or otherwise radioactive.
The IAEA Secretariat reviews all reported incidents with a view to identify common threats, trends and patterns; to assist states in determining what actions may need to be taken with respect to particular events or to help formulate policy towards combating illicit trafficking of such materials; and to support the Agency’s nuclear security activities
Most of reported incidents are not linked to trafficking or malicious intent, reflecting persistent challenges in regulatory control, disposal practices, transport security and detection, rather than organised criminal activity.
Incidents involving nuclear material continue to decline, while reports involving radioactive material and radioactively contaminated or other material have increased, likely due to improved detection capabilities, reporting practices and international information exchange.
IAEA says incidents with confirmed trafficking and malicious use intent remain rare and largely opportunistic, typically involving small quantities of material and motivated by financial gain. However, a small number of incidents involving coordinated illicit activities highlight the need for continuous vigilance and international cooperation.
In 2025, states continued to report incidents at metal recycling chains and incidents of manufactured goods contaminated with radioactive material. “The number of reports over the recent years indicates a persistent problem in securing and detecting the unauthorised disposal of radioactive sources in some countries.”
- The groups of incident types used in the ITDB are the following: Group I: incidents that are, or are likely to be, connected with trafficking or malicious use;
- Group II: incidents of undetermined intent; and
- Group III: incidents that are not, or are unlikely to be, connected with trafficking or malicious use.
As of 31 December 2025, a total of 4626 incidents have been reported to the ITDB: 359 of them are categorised within Group I, 1,120 within Group II and 3,147 within Group III.
Incidents reported to the ITDB showed a steady upward trend from 1993 to 2007, with a notable increase in 2006 and 2007 attributable to a change in the reporting practices of one state. Thereafter, the trend stabilised with the number of incidents reported fluctuating around a long-term average of approximately 180 incidents a year.
