Five people were detained for trying to export a kilogram of radioactive caesium-137 to use it to the detriment of Russian interests during a special operation, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said.
The Russian Federal Security Service said that those suspected of trying to smuggle caesium-137 out of the country to discredit Russia had been arrested and are confessing. A case was opened on the illegal handling and smuggling of radioactive substances.
Caesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that is commonly used in medical and industrial applications, in addition to peaceful uses, caesium could be used to make weapons of mass destruction. Due to its long half-life and high energy radiation, caesium-137 poses a significant hazard to human health and the environment.
