Georgian State Security Service foils transnational uranium smuggling plot

The Georgian State Security Service on Thursday thwarted a major transnational crime, preventing the potential development of illicit activities involving nuclear materials.

The joint operation, conducted by the Counterintelligence and Special Operations Departments, led to the arrest of two individuals in the city of Batumi attempting to illegally sell and acquire uranium.

The suspects, one Georgian citizen and one foreign national, were arrested during an attempt to illegally sell a radioactive chemical element - uranium - for $3 million.

The confiscated nuclear material, identified as radioactive alpha and gamma radiation, was determined to be a component usable in the production of various explosive devices.

Its nature and dosage power posed a significant threat, capable of being used for terrorist attacks or other grave incidents with mass and fatal consequences.

An ongoing investigation has been launched into the criminal activity under Article 230, Part 1, of the Criminal Code of Georgia. This article pertains to the illegal handling of nuclear materials and carries a penalty of 5 to 10 years of imprisonment.