In brief
In a startling revelation, Georgian officials have detained three Chinese nationals caught in a plot to illegally procure 2kg of uranium. The group, aiming to pay $400,000 for the radioactive material in Tblisi, was intercepted by intelligence agents. Their alleged intent was to transport the substance to China through Russia. Arrested individuals have pleaded not guilty and face up to five years in prison under Georgian law. This incident raises concerns regarding the security of nuclear materials in Georgia, a former Soviet nation.
Three Chinese nationals have been arrested in Georgia on suspicion of attempting to illegally purchase 2kg of uranium.
Lasha Maghradze, deputy head of the nation's State Security Service (SSG), revealed in a news briefing that the group had planned to pay $400,000 (£300,570) for the nuclear material in Tblisi, with intentions to transport it to China via Russia.
The alleged plot was uncovered by intelligence agents after one member of the group attempted to buy the radioactive substance on the black market.
The defendants pleaded not guilty at a Tblisi court and have been remanded in custody, deemed a flight risk by authorities. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of five years under the criminal code prohibiting the procurement of nuclear material.
Maghradze confirmed that the operation was organized in collaboration with other individuals based in China. Security footage shows armed soldiers detaining the suspects and uncovering two glass jars containing the uranium in a vehicle’s boot.
It remains unclear which isotope of uranium was involved, although all forms emit harmful radiation, as well as the exact purpose behind the group's actions.
Since Georgia was part of the Soviet Union, it retains some stockpiles of nuclear material, raising continued security apprehensions, especially given past incidents of uranium being sold illegally. Notably, two individuals were arrested in July attempting to trade $3 million worth of uranium.
