In the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, the State Security Service announced the arrest of three Chinese citizens accused of attempting to illegally purchase approximately 2 kilograms of uranium, a nuclear material.
According to the official statement, the detainees had planned to pay $400,000 for the uranium and transport it to China via Russia, AP reports.
The Deputy Head of the Georgian State Security Service stated that one of the arrested individuals was in Georgia on an expired visa and had brought along “experts” to search for uranium within the country.
The case comes amid ongoing international efforts to prevent the trafficking of nuclear materials in countries of the former Soviet Union, where the security and control of such substances remain a persistent challenge.
The suspects face charges that, under Georgian law, could result in up to 10 years in prison.
