Authorities in Georgia have arrested three Chinese nationals in the capital, Tbilisi, for allegedly attempting to purchase two kilograms of uranium. The suspects were reportedly planning to transport the radioactive material from Georgia to China through Russia, according to a statement from the country’s State Security Service.
Security officials conducted a special operation leading to the detention of the suspects, who were caught while negotiating the details of the illegal transaction. The group had allegedly offered to pay $400,000 for the uranium, which is considered a critical material for nuclear energy and weapon production.
Investigations revealed that one of the Chinese nationals, already residing in Georgia illegally after breaching visa regulations, had brought experts into the country to search for uranium. The other accomplices were reportedly coordinating the operation from China. The authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the suspects or the exact date of their arrest, but they confirmed that the trio faces charges that could result in prison sentences of up to 10 years.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the illicit trade in nuclear materials, a problem that has persisted in the region since the fall of the Soviet Union. After the Soviet collapse in 1991, large quantities of radioactive substances were left unsecured, turning Georgia and neighboring countries into hotspots for smugglers seeking to exploit the black market for nuclear materials.
Over the years, Georgia has recorded several cases of uranium trafficking. In 2019, two individuals were detained for handling and attempting to sell uranium-238 worth $2.8 million. Similarly, in 2016, more than 120 people—including Georgian and Armenian nationals—were arrested in sting operations for attempting to sell uranium-238 and uranium-235 valued at over $200 million.
The latest arrests underscore the ongoing threat posed by nuclear smuggling networks and the need for continued international cooperation to prevent the illegal trade of radioactive materials. Security agencies in Georgia have intensified surveillance and intelligence operations to curb such activities and safeguard public safety against the potential misuse of nuclear substances for criminal or terrorist purposes.
