On October 25, Georgia’s State Security Service (SSG) announced the detention of three Chinese nationals in Tbilisi for allegedly attempting to illegally purchase two kilograms of uranium, a radioactive nuclear material.
According to the SSG, the suspects planned to buy the uranium for USD 400,000 and smuggle it to China through Russia. One of the detainees, who was residing illegally in Georgia, reportedly brought in Chinese experts interested in acquiring the material and began actively searching for uranium sources within the country.
The investigation also revealed that other criminal groups from China were involved in assisting the operation. The detainees have been charged under Article 230 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The case underscores growing concerns that Georgia, under the Georgian Dream government’s increasingly anti-democratic policies, is becoming a safe haven for arms traffickers and individuals seeking to circumvent international regulations and sanctions.
We will continue to monitor developments in this case and provide further updates as additional information becomes available.
