Actinium-225 Recovered After Van Robbery in São Paulo

Overview

• An armed gang stopped a transport van en route from Guarulhos to A.C. Camargo, took the driver and stole the shipment before abandoning the vehicle in Ferraz de Vasconcelos.
• The package containing Actinium-225 was found intact in a vacant lot in São Rafael on Monday night and has been placed under Police Civil custody for technical verification.
• ANSN reviewed images of the shielding and confirmed with the U.S. manufacturer that the container matches the model used in the shipment.
• Authorities say the small therapeutic dose poses low radiological risk to people nearby when sealed but warn against opening or handling the package and advise notifying officials immediately.
• No arrests have been reported and investigators are examining the removed tracker and vehicle disassembly as they probe security flaws in the medical isotope transport and potential impacts on patient care.