Georgia Detains Individuals in Uranium Sale Attempt

On Thursday, Georgia's national security service announced the detention of two individuals for their involvement in the handling and attempted sale of uranium. The uranium, valued at $3 million, raised concerns due to its potential use in the creation of a dangerous weapon.

The prosecutor general confirmed the arrest and charges against a Georgian and a Turkish national. They face charges related to the illegal acquisition, possession, and disposal of radioactive materials. The arrests took place in Batumi, a city on the Black Sea coast. If convicted, the individuals could be sentenced to up to a decade in prison.

According to the prosecutor's statement, the Georgian citizen had illegally obtained and stored the uranium. They then attempted to sell the nuclear material to the Turkish citizen for the sum of $3 million. The State Security Service emphasized that their actions had prevented a "transnational crime" involving uranium that could have been used to create a weapon with the potential for mass casualties.

The State Security Service released video footage showing law enforcement agents using a radiation scanner to inspect a vehicle. The video also showed two small vials, one of which appeared to contain a white, powdery substance. The origin of the uranium and its intended destination remain unknown.

The security of nuclear materials has been a significant concern since the collapse of the Soviet Union, of which Georgia was formerly a part. Over the past few decades, Georgia has experienced several incidents involving the illegal trade of nuclear materials.

In 2019, authorities detained two individuals for attempting to sell $2.8 million worth of uranium-238. In 2016, multiple arrests were made in two separate operations, involving Georgians and Armenians, for attempting to sell a substantial amount of uranium-238 and uranium-235. Additionally, in 2014, two Armenians were apprehended for attempting to smuggle cesium-137 into the country.