Georgia Arrests Three Chinese Nationals Attempting Illegal Uranium Purchase

Georgia's State Security Service arrested three Chinese nationals in Tbilisi for attempting to illegally purchase two kilograms of uranium, a nuclear material, for $400,000. The suspects planned to transport the uranium to China via Russia, with the operation coordinated from China and involving experts brought into Georgia, some of whom violated visa regulations. The arrests occurred during negotiations of the illegal transaction, and investigations included searches in Tbilisi and Batumi, with charges that could lead to up to 10 years in prison. This incident is part of ongoing concerns about nuclear material security in Georgia, which has seen several past incidents involving illicit trade in such materials. Authorities are continuing to investigate the financing and supply routes related to this case. The case highlights continuing global concerns about the illegal trafficking of nuclear materials and their potential misuse.