In a significant move against nuclear smuggling, Georgian authorities have reportedly foiled a plot involving several Chinese nationals allegedly attempting to acquire uranium on the black market. This development, reported by the Associated Press (AP), highlights ongoing global concerns surrounding the illegal trade of nuclear materials.

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) revealed that three Chinese citizens were apprehended in the nation’s capital, Tbilisi. These individuals were caught in the act of trying to purchase approximately 4.4 pounds of uranium, with a transaction valued at $400,000, according to the AP’s sources.

It is alleged that the suspects intended to transport this nuclear material from Georgia to China, using Russia as a transit point. The potential ramifications of such an operation underscore the persistent threats posed by nuclear trafficking networks worldwide.

“Three Chinese citizens have been detained in Tbilisi while attempting to illegally purchase 2 kilograms of nuclear material — uranium,” stated the agency, as reported by the AP. This statement emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the international implications of such illicit activities.

The Georgian State Security Service released video footage capturing the tense moment when security officers intervened in the capital. The video shows the seizure of bottles reportedly containing uranium and the subsequent arrest of the suspects, offering a rare glimpse into the complex operations aimed at curbing nuclear smuggling.

Video footage released by the agency shows security officers in the Georgian capital seizing bottles containing what was identified as uranium and arresting multiple individuals at the scene.

Two bottles identified as uranium were confiscated over the weekend in Georgia’s Tbilisi.  (State Security Service of Georgia)

According to the SSSG, one of the suspects had overstayed his visa and was living in Georgia illegally, the AP said. He allegedly led efforts to locate and acquire the radioactive substance, even bringing in experts from abroad to assist, the outlet added. Other members of the group reportedly coordinated the operation from China.

The perpetrators were identified and detained while “negotiating the details of the illegal transaction,” the security service reportedly said.

The agency did not specify when the arrests occurred or provide the identities of the suspects.

Georgian officials escort a suspect after authorities foiled a uranium smuggling plot in Tbilisi. (State Security Service of Georgia)

The latest arrests follow a similar case in July, when Georgian authorities detained a foreign national and a Georgian citizen accused of planning to sell uranium worth $3 million. Officials said that material could have been used to construct explosive devices or carry out terrorist attacks.