Sheremetyevo Airport authorities detained a foreign traveler after the routine radiation screening flagged luggage that appeared to emit elevated levels of radiation. The incident was reported by the press service of the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation, which outlined that standard security procedures were followed to prevent the spread of potentially dangerous materials through international travel. Security teams immediately isolated the luggage, cordoned off the area for further inspection, and notified radiological specialists to confirm the preliminary readings. While passengers underwent standard processing, airport officials emphasized that all steps taken were in line with national and international safety protocols designed to protect travelers and staff. No injuries or exposure incidents were reported, and the focus remained on a careful verification of the device involved and the possible origins of the material inside the case.
Investigators later clarified that the individual was a 35-year-old Chinese national who had passed through the green corridor after the radiation monitoring system reacted to his suitcase. The green corridor is typically reserved for travelers with no detected contraband or prohibited items, but radiation alarms can trigger additional screening measures. In this case, the luggage underwent a secondary scan and was moved to a controlled area for a more thorough examination. Airport security, customs officials, and radiation safety specialists coordinated to verify the source and nature of the emissions. The person remained under observation as the process moved forward, and authorities prepared to interview him to determine the purpose and provenance of the item inside the bag.
Inside the suitcase, investigators found a wristwatch that was emitting radiation well beyond normal background levels. The discovery prompted a rapid escalation to laboratory testing to determine the composition of the device and assess any potential health or environmental risks. Portables devices were deployed on site to assess the intensity of the emissions, while safeguards were implemented to prevent any direct contact with the item. Specialists noted that instruments measured a marked increase in radiation just by proximity to the watch, underscoring the seriousness of the finding and the need for careful handling during all stages of examination.
During examination, a portable radiometer-spectrometer indicated that the radiation levels emitted by the device were about sixteen times higher than the permissible limit, according to the customs service. The abnormal reading triggered immediate containment measures, and the watch was sealed and sent to a certified laboratory for a full forensic review. Authorities stressed that such materials require specialized assessment to determine whether they involve common consumer electronics containing naturally occurring radioactive elements or something more troubling. The on-site readings served as a clear signal of potential risk and the reason for precautionary action while the investigation proceeds.
The traveler explained that the item had been purchased for personal use, and the watch was subsequently seized and dispatched for laboratory examination to determine exact nature and origin. Officials emphasized that possession of devices with elevated radiation requires thorough verification, and that any findings could lead to penalties depending on the results of the studies and local law.
Prior to this incident, customs officers at Vnukovo Airport detained a Russian woman who had radioactive volcanic sand that she had brought back from a vacation and intended to use for cleaning around the home. The material, described as volcanic sand with radioactive traces, prompted immediate protective actions and a follow-up investigation to assess the potential exposure risk and regulatory compliance. Experts noted that natural radioactive materials can produce measurable radiation, but laws regulate their transport and handling, particularly when they cross international borders. The case highlighted the ongoing vigilance of border controls in monitoring hazardous substances and preventing their casual misuse.
Earlier, Russian customs officers detained a Vietnamese citizen in connection with radioactive luggage, underscoring a pattern of heightened checks for materials that could pose radiation hazards. The incidents have prompted authorities to reiterate safety guidelines for travelers and reinforce protocols for rapid response when alarms sound. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact sources and purposes of such items, and to ensure that citizens and visitors understand the legal boundaries around transporting items that might carry radioactivity.