CIA used Swiss engineers to undo AQ Khan's network: report

NEW YORK - A US Central Intelligence Agency's deal with a family of Swiss engineers helped thwart the Libyan and Iranian nuclear programmes and undo Abdul Qadeer Khan's network, a leading American newspaper reported Monday.

The New York Times, in a long story, said the operation involved Friedrich Tinner and his two sons, who have been accused in Switzerland of dealing with rogue nations seeking nuclear equipment and expertise.

Over four years, the newspaper cited several unnamed officials as saying  that operatives of the C.I.A. paid the Tinners as much as $10 million, some of it delivered in a suitcase stuffed with cash. In return, the Tinners delivered a flow of secret information about Libya, Iran and Dr. Khan's network.

In addition, American and European officials said, the Tinners played an important role in a clandestine American operation to funnel sabotaged nuclear equipment to Libya and Iran, a major but little-known element of the efforts to slow their nuclear progress.

The relationship with the Tinners “was very significant,” Gary Samore, who ran the National Security Council’s nonproliferation office when the operation began, was quoted as saying. “That’s where we got the first indications that Iran had acquired centrifuges,” which enrich uranium for nuclear fuel.