Authorities in Georgia have reportedly thwarted a significant nuclear smuggling operation. This attempt involved several Chinese nationals accused of trying to buy uranium on the black market, according to the Associated Press (AP).
On Saturday, Georgia’s State Security Service (SSSG) announced the detention of three Chinese citizens in Tbilisi. They were allegedly attempting to acquire approximately 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) of uranium for $400,000, the outlet reported.
Officials stated the suspects intended to traffic the nuclear material to China, with Russia as the transit route, according to the outlet.
As per the AP, the agency declared: “Three Chinese citizens have been detained in Tbilisi while attempting to illegally purchase 2 kilograms of nuclear material — uranium.”
Video footage released by the agency shows security officers seizing bottles containing what was identified as uranium and arresting multiple individuals at the scene.
The AP reported that, according to the SSSG, one of the suspects had overstayed his visa and was residing in Georgia illegally. He allegedly spearheaded efforts to locate and acquire the radioactive substance, reportedly even bringing in foreign experts for assistance, the outlet added. Other members of the group were said to have coordinated the operation from China.
The security service reportedly stated that the perpetrators were identified and apprehended while “negotiating the details of the illegal transaction.”
The agency did not specify when the arrests occurred or provide the identities of the suspects.
These latest arrests follow a similar incident in July. At that time, Georgian authorities detained a foreign national and a Georgian citizen accused of planning to acquire material worth $3 million. Officials said that material could have been used to construct explosive devices or carry out terrorist attacks.