Global Cooperation Needed to Combat Illicit Trafficking of Nuclear Material

“The FLO network plays a crucial role in promoting a common approach to deterring and mitigating threats from illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials,” said Makharadze.

A recent international meeting in Egypt underscored the critical importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials. The gathering, organized by the International Network of Front Line Officers and Organizations for Nuclear Security Detection (FLO Network), brought together representatives from 46 countries and key international organizations, including INTERPOL, the World Customs Organization (WCO), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This marked the first meeting of the FLO Network held outside of the IAEA headquarters, signalling a shift toward more regional engagement in global nuclear security efforts.

“The FLO network meeting emphasized the need to unify global nuclear security efforts by empowering frontline officers,” stated Itimad Soufi, Head of the Nuclear Security of Materials Outside of Regulatory Control Section in the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “Bringing together diverse expertise and viewpoints helps us collectively address the evolving nuclear security challenges of today.”

Enhancing Regional and Global Cooperation

The FLO Network has made notable progress in enhancing regional working groups and strengthening collaboration mechanisms among frontline officers (FLOs), who play a crucial role in preventing and responding to nuclear security threats. David Makharadze, the Chair of the meeting and former Colonel of the State Security Service of Georgia, highlighted the network as a platform for fostering collaboration among law enforcement, border security, customs professionals, and other key stakeholders.

“The FLO network plays a crucial role in promoting a common approach to deterring and mitigating threats from illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials,” said Makharadze. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen both regional and global nuclear security by establishing effective frameworks for detection, prevention, and response.

By engaging with other IAEA networks, such as the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) and the International Network for Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres (NSSC Network), the FLO Network is enhancing its comprehensive approach to nuclear security, which includes training, education, and detection support.

Advancing Technology and Information Sharing

A key highlight of the meeting was a focused discussion on the Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB), a critical IAEA information system that tracks incidents of illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities involving nuclear and radioactive material outside of regulatory control. The ITDB is a platform for timely information exchange between participating states, enabling frontline officers to access reliable data on nuclear security incidents.

During the meeting, participants also engaged in hands-on technology demonstrations of advanced tools used in nuclear security detection. These included the Tool for Radiation Alarm and Commodity Evaluation (TRACE), the Mobile Integrated Nuclear Security Network (M-INSN), and the recently developed Personnel Alarm Assessment Tool (PAAT). These tools are designed to aid real-time decision-making, enhancing the ability of frontline officers to respond quickly and effectively to nuclear security threats.

However, as the reliance on digital systems grows, new challenges have emerged, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Experts discussed the potential vulnerabilities of nuclear security infrastructures to cyber-attacks, emphasizing the need for robust, multi-layered defences to protect nuclear security systems from evolving digital threats.

Impact of the FLO Network

A 2024 survey conducted among 127 respondents from 67 countries revealed the significant impact of the FLO Network on nuclear security detection knowledge and practices. 71 percent of respondents reported significant improvement in their understanding of nuclear security detection, while 63 percent indicated the network’s contribution to the development of detection strategies in their countries or organizations. Additionally, 75 percent of participants implemented good practices or knowledge gained from the network, demonstrating its effectiveness in strengthening global nuclear security capabilities.

Strengthening Global Preparedness for Emerging Threats

The IAEA’s FLO Network continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that frontline officers are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to detect and respond to nuclear security threats. As global threats evolve, the need for regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices becomes increasingly important. The meeting in Egypt highlighted that, in facing emerging nuclear security challenges, international collaboration is essential to ensuring a resilient and effective global nuclear security framework.

By enhancing technology, training, and information sharing, the FLO Network is advancing the global effort to prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive material, ensuring that frontline officers are better prepared to safeguard global security.