Absurd Investigation of Science Enthusiast’s Plutonium Acquisition

A border force investigation into the import of uranium and plutonium by a “science nerd” to his parents’ apartment was deemed an exaggerated response by his attorney.

Emmanuel Lidden, 24, confessed to violating nuclear non-proliferation laws by acquiring various radioactive samples online.

His reason: to collect all elements of the periodic table, much like billionaire Bill Gates.

The arrival of the package led to a significant hazmat incident involving Australian Border Force (ABF) officials, firefighters, police, and paramedics in August 2023.

However, almost two years later, on April 11, a judge spared Lidden a conviction and allowed him to leave Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court on a two-year good behavior bond.

While acknowledging his actions as criminal, Judge Leonie Flannery cited mental health issues in her decision, noting the absence of malicious intent in the 24-year-old.

Following the sentencing, defense lawyer John Sutton expressed his client’s relief during a conversation with AAP.

However, he criticized Border Force for its aggressive pursuit of the young man.

“It was an overly intrusive investigation for numerous reasons,” Sutton remarked.

He informed AAP that officers crossed the line by raiding Lidden’s Sydney residence in hazmat suits despite the insignificant and harmless amounts that were ordered.

“We could ingest them and still be perfectly fine,” he stated.

“I’ve received messages from scientists all over the globe deeming this absurd.”

Sutton also questioned whether prosecuting Lidden was truly in the public’s interest.

ABF superintendent James Ryan, in a statement, described the multi-agency probe against Lidden as “extremely complex and sensitive.”

“The ABF is dedicated to safeguarding the Australian community from all border threats,” Ryan emphasized.

“I trust this incident can educate people about the regulatory frameworks regarding what can and cannot be brought into Australia.”

Lidden is the initial individual prosecuted under Australia’s non-proliferation laws, designed to prevent mass destruction weapons and terrorism.

He purchased the items from a US-based science website, and they were sent to his parents’ residence.

He pleaded guilty to two charges: importing nuclear material into Australia and possessing nuclear material.

During a sentencing hearing in March, Lidden was characterized by his lawyer as a “science nerd” who committed the offenses out of sheer naivety.

“It was a form of self-comfort, seeking solace in collecting; it could have been anything, but in this case, he fixated on the periodic table collection,” Sutton stated at the time.

Lidden now holds a job at a fast-food restaurant flipping burgers after being dismissed from his position as a trainee at Sydney Trains.

He lost his job after informing his superiors about the Border Force investigation.

Sutton criticized the termination, alleging that Lidden was accused of failing to be open and honest despite his transparency.

“How could he have been more candid and upfront?,” the lawyer questioned.

Nuclear materials can be legally imported by first obtaining a permit from the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office.