I think on my 911news site, I have links that go back to around 96-98 that showed he was intered in inquiring nuclear material. If he got "permission"; I don't know.
Correcting spelling in last post to you:
intered = interested
The 911 news site is at:
http://www.truthusa.com/911news.html
If I recall correctly, he was interested in nuclear and/or bomb making material as early as in the late 90's. I believe I read that in one of the indictments.