Accused Akhtar Hussaini and Adil Husaini, posing as BARC scientists, allegedly attempted to peddle lithium-6–based nuclear fusion reactor technology on the grey market, using encrypted networks and VPNs to circulate reactor blueprints and reach out to foreign research groups, including Iran-linked nuclear panels, under the guise of scientific collaboration.
The lithium-6–based nuclear fusion reactor technology was offered for sale on the international grey market by two individuals, Akhtar Hussaini Qutbuddin Ahmed (60) and his brother Adil Husaini (59), who have been arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Delhi Special Cell for allegedly impersonating scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay. Both the accused are from Jamshedpur with fake degrees in nuclear engineering.
Investigation by security agencies revealed that the accused had used virtual private networks (VPNs), and and encrypted channels to circulate classified lithium-6–based fusion reactor designs involving neutron absorption, tritium breeding, and plasma confinement. They covertly contacted foreign research groups, offering blueprints and simulation codes as part of a claimed breakthrough in controlled thermonuclear fusion. The probe revealed they exploited underground scientific exchange forums and encrypted broker networks to grey market this sensitive technology to foreign entities under the guise of academic or research collaboration, thereby masking an illicit technology transfer operation.
Statements of the accused persons accessed by The Free Press Journal (FPJ) revealed that the accused extensively used advanced scientific terminology related to nuclear reactor physics, isotope chemistry, and reactor-based energy generation, reflecting a deliberate attempt by the suspects to project technical authenticity and reinforce the credibility of their claims. Officials confirmed that the scientific complexity and precision of their references were so intricate that investigators had to seek assistance from plasma physics and nuclear engineering experts to interpret and verify the suspects’ claims accurately.
During interrogation, Akhtar Hussain reportedly admitted that he and his brother had shared portions of the lithium-6–based fusion reactor design with Iranian government–affiliated nuclear scientist research panels, some of which are believed to function under direct state sponsorship. The duo allegedly made multiple visits to the Iranian embassies in India and Dubai before traveling to Tehran in March–April 2025. According to their statements, the accused claimed that an Iranian diplomat they met in Mumbai was convinced of their authenticity after the accused presented their fabricated credentials, detailed operational charts, and reactor specifications while posing as senior BARC researchers. Acting on this deception, the diplomat is believed to have facilitated their interaction with members of a government-supported nuclear research consortium in Tehran, where the accused presented their purported reactor blueprint.