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An Automated Microscopic Scoring Method for the γ-H2AX Foci Assay in Human Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

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Ionizing radiation in secret services' conspirative actions.

H Vogel¹, P Lotz, B Vogel

¹Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Röntgenabteilung, Lohmühlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany. Hermann.vogel@ak-stgeorg.lbk-hh.de

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|July 24, 2007

Summary

Secret services have a history of using radioactive materials for covert operations, including assassinations. While known cases are few, many incidents likely remain undisclosed, possibly with government backing.

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Area of Science:

Political Science
Criminology
Nuclear Physics

Background:

The Litvinenko case prompted questions about the uniqueness of secret service actions involving radioactive substances.
The fall of the Berlin Wall provided insights into the operations of former German Democratic Republic (GDR) secret services.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the historical use of radioactive substances by secret services.
To understand the methods and logistics involved in such operations.

Main Methods:

Analysis of declassified GDR secret service documents.
Review of defector accounts and media reports on radioactive substance use by intelligence agencies.

Main Results:

Secret services have utilized radioactive nuclides and radiation for decades.
Multiple assassinations involving radiation have been documented, requiring complex logistical support.
The use of radioactive materials in covert operations is a long-standing practice.

Conclusions:

Known instances of radioactive substance employment by secret services are limited, suggesting a larger, undisclosed number of operations.
Governmental support is likely essential for the success of clandestine activities involving radioactive materials.