Georgia’s State Security Service has intercepted a suspected nuclear smuggling attempt, detaining two foreign nationals in the western city of Kutaisi as they tried to purchase uranium and other radioactive substances valued at roughly $3 million with plans to ship them overseas, officials confirmed on Thursday.
Plot to Acquire Radioactive Materials Uncovered
According to a statement by Georgian security authorities, the suspects, whose nationalities have not been released, were apprehended before finalising the acquisition of nuclear material uranium and the hazardous isotope cesium-137, a substance often associated with nuclear weapons tests and reactor accidents.
Officials allege the men intended to illegally purchase and transport these materials to another country, raising serious concerns about safety and potential misuse.
Ongoing Concerns About Nuclear Material Security
Authorities noted that other foreign individuals have entered Georgia in recent weeks with similar intentions, though specifics about these contacts or their objectives remain unclear.
The illicit trade in nuclear and radioactive materials continues to be a significant security issue in former Soviet states like Georgia, where past incidents have involved attempts to obtain uranium and other dangerous substances on the black market.
No Details Yet on Quantity or Destination
Security officials have not disclosed how much uranium or cesium-137 was involved, nor have they revealed the intended final destination of the materials. Cesium-137, specifically, is a radioactive isotope known for its high risk in radiological dispersion and terrorist misuse scenarios.
