In a significant crackdown on nuclear smuggling, Georgian authorities have reportedly intercepted an operation involving Chinese nationals attempting to procure uranium illicitly. This information comes via the Associated Press (AP).

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) revealed on Saturday that three individuals from China were apprehended in Tbilisi. They were allegedly trying to buy approximately 4.4 pounds of uranium on the black market for the sum of $400,000, according to reports.

The suspects were allegedly plotting to transport the nuclear material to China, using Russia as a transit route, as per the agency’s statements.

“Three Chinese citizens have been detained in Tbilisi while attempting to illegally purchase 2 kilograms of nuclear material — uranium,” the agency stated, as reported by the AP.

In a coordinated effort, multiple Chinese nationals have been arrested in Georgia, thwarting their plans to engage in illegal uranium trafficking. (Source: State Security Service of Georgia)

Video footage released by the agency shows security officers in the Georgian capital seizing bottles containing what was identified as uranium and arresting multiple individuals at the scene.

Two bottles identified as uranium were confiscated over the weekend in Georgia’s Tbilisi.  (State Security Service of Georgia)

According to the SSSG, one of the suspects had overstayed his visa and was living in Georgia illegally, the AP said. He allegedly led efforts to locate and acquire the radioactive substance, even bringing in experts from abroad to assist, the outlet added. Other members of the group reportedly coordinated the operation from China.

The perpetrators were identified and detained while “negotiating the details of the illegal transaction,” the security service reportedly said.

The agency did not specify when the arrests occurred or provide the identities of the suspects.

Georgian officials escort a suspect after authorities foiled a uranium smuggling plot in Tbilisi. (State Security Service of Georgia)

The latest arrests follow a similar case in July, when Georgian authorities detained a foreign national and a Georgian citizen accused of planning to sell uranium worth $3 million. Officials said that material could have been used to construct explosive devices or carry out terrorist attacks.