The IAEA has provided crucial assistance and support to the South African Government in the dismantling of an illegal international network trafficking in nuclear technology and the successful prosecution and conviction of one of its chief figures.
Ambassador Abdul Samad Minty, Governor of the Republic of South Africa presented a report on the latest developments in this episode to the IAEA's Board of Governors. In a press brieifing following his report, Ambassador Minty thanked the Agency for its help and support in this operation. "South Africa is highly appreciative of the major contribution of the IAEA and for its assistance in bringing the case against Mr. Wisser to a close," he said. Mr. Gerhard Wisser, a German citizen, is one of two suspects convicted for illicit nuclear activities.
This episode is seen as a critical milestone in the investigation into the so-called AQ Khan Network, an illicit source of nuclear technology originating from the Khan Research Laboratory set up by the Pakistani scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. The AQ Khan Network, which operated in more than 30 countries and comprised several entities and individuals of different nationalities, is still reputed to present a serious challenge to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Ambassador Minty also stressed the importance of international cooperation in the fight against international illicit trafficking of nuclear technology. "As one of the first successful cases against those involved in the so-called AQ Khan Network, South Africa's experience has illustrated the value of the IAEA and of effective information-sharing. We believe that this type of cooperation will contribute to the prevention, combating and eradication of such illicit activities," he added. The investigation and prosecution are yet another demonstration of South Africa's commitment to the NPT's non-proliferation provisions.
Background
In September 2004, the South African Government reported to the IAEA Board of Governors that an investigation had been undertaken into the possible involvement of two South Africa-registered corporate entities, namely Krisch Engineering Co (Pty) Ltd and Tradefin Engineering CC, with the network's procurement activities for Libya.
Eventually, Messrs. Gerhard Wisser, a German citizen, and Daniel Geiges, a Swiss citizen, respectively Managing Director and Design Director of Krisch Engineering, were arrested and charged with contravening South Africa's non-proliferation legislation. IAEA's support and technical expertise was crucial in exposing the true nature of Krisch Engineering's work.
On 4 September 2007, Mr. Wisser entered into a Plea and Sentence Agreement with South Africa's National Prosecuting Authorities, which requires him to cooperate fully with the authorities as far as further investigations into the network's activities are concerned. The case against Mr. Geiges was separated and postponed until 21 September 2007, pending medical reports concerning his health status and ability to stand trial.