The State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) has detained three Chinese citizens in Tbilisi for attempting to illegally acquire two kilograms of nuclear material — uranium.

The announcement was made at a briefing by the First Deputy Head of the State Security Service, Lasha Maghradze.

According to the State Security Service, members of the criminal group were planning to illegally transport the radioactive substance to China through the territory of Russia.

“As a result of a joint operation carried out by the Counterintelligence and Special Operations Departments of the State Security Service, three Chinese citizens were detained in Tbilisi while attempting to illegally purchase two kilograms of nuclear material — uranium.

Members of the criminal group planned to buy the radioactive substance in Tbilisi for 400,000 US dollars and then smuggle it into China through the territory of the Russian Federation.

To carry out the criminal plan, one of the Chinese citizens, who was staying in Georgia in violation of entry regulations, brought to the country experts interested in purchasing uranium and began actively searching for nuclear material throughout Georgia. Other members of the criminal group coordinated this activity from China. During negotiations over the details of the illegal deal, the suspects were identified and detained as a result of operational measures.

In addition, during the investigation, searches were conducted at the temporary residences of the detainees in Tbilisi and Batumi.

The investigation is being carried out under Article 230, Part 1, of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years,” the State Security Service stated.