Georgia arrests three Chinese for illegal uranium purchase, transit to China via Russia

Three Chinese nationals were arrested in Tbilisi, Georgia, for attempting to illegally purchase two kilograms of uranium, with plans to transport the material to China via Russia. The suspects, part of a criminal group, were negotiating a $400,000 transaction and coordinated their operation from China, with one accused individual residing illegally in Georgia and recruiting uranium experts to search for the material. The detainees face charges that could result in up to 10 years in prison. This incident is part of a series of serious cases involving illicit nuclear material trade in Georgia, a concern stemming from leftover Soviet-era nuclear materials after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Recently, in July, Georgian and Turkish nationals were also arrested for illegal possession of radioactive substances potentially usable in bombs. Authorities continue investigations, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb the smuggling and illegal trade of nuclear materials in the region.