What nuclear materials were seized in Georgia?

Authorities in Georgia detained two individuals attempting to illegally purchase uranium and Cesium 137, a radioactive isotope.

How much were the nuclear materials valued at?

The attempted purchase of the nuclear materials, including uranium and Cesium 137, was valued at $3 million.

What is Cesium 137 associated with?

Cesium 137 is a radioactive isotope primarily found in the aftermath of nuclear weapons testing and nuclear power plant accidents.

Home / Crime and Justice / Georgia Nabs Uranium Smugglers in $3M Deal

Georgia Nabs Uranium Smugglers in $3M Deal

19 Feb

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Summary

Two foreign nationals arrested for attempting to buy nuclear material.
The illicit nuclear materials were valued at $3 million.
Cesium 137, a substance found in nuclear weapons testing, was seized.

Georgia Nabs Uranium Smugglers in $3M Deal

Georgian security services announced on Thursday the detention of two individuals attempting to illegally acquire nuclear materials. The suspects, identified as foreign nationals, were arrested in the city of Kutaisi. They allegedly planned to purchase uranium and Cesium 137, a radioactive isotope commonly found after nuclear weapons testing or power plant accidents, for $3 million.

This operation underscores persistent worries regarding the illicit trade of nuclear substances in Georgia, a nation that was formerly part of the Soviet Union. The State Security Service indicated that other foreign nationals have recently visited Georgia with similar intentions to purchase and transport such materials. The exact quantity of materials and their intended destination remain unspecified. This latest seizure is reminiscent of a prior incident where three Chinese citizens were apprehended in Tbilisi for trying to buy uranium.

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