Georgia Arrests Three for Attempting to Illegally Buy 2kg of Uranium
Three Chinese nationals were arrested in Georgia for attempting to purchase 2kg of uranium. Key details include:
– Arrest Details: Armed Georgian soldiers detained the suspects after surveillance revealed their plot to pay $400,000 (£300,570) for nuclear material in Tbilisi.
– Background Investigation: The operation was exposed by intelligence agents while one member negotiated the purchase on the black market.
– Legal Proceedings: The suspects, who pleaded not guilty, face a potential five-year prison sentence under Georgia’s criminal code.
– Evidence Found: Security footage showed two glass jars containing uranium in the trunk of their car.
– Context of Concern: Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, Georgia has faced ongoing issues with nuclear material security, highlighted by previous arrests for uranium trafficking.
This case underscores the persistent challenges surrounding nuclear safety and security in the region.