Three Chinese citizens arrested in Georgia over attempt to illegally purchase uranium

Georgia’s State Security Service has detained three Chinese nationals in the country’s capital city of Tbilisi for attempting to illegally purchase two kilograms of nuclear material uranium, Lasha Maghradze, First Deputy Head of the agency, said on Saturday.

He added the suspects planned to acquire the radioactive substance for $400,000 and transport it illegally to China via Russia.

Authorities say one of the Chinese citizens, who was staying in Georgia in violation of entry rules, coordinated the operation on-the-ground, bringing in two specialists allegedly interested in procuring the uranium. Other members of the criminal group are believed to have been directing activities from China.

During the undercover investigation, security officers identified the individuals involved and detained them during negotiations over the illegal deal. Searches were conducted at their temporary residences in both Tbilisi and the Black Sea resort city of Batumi.

The crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.