The State Security Service detained three Chinese citizens in Tbilisi for attempting to illegally acquire 2 kilograms of nuclear material - uranium, announced Lasha Maghradze, Deputy Head of the State Security Service, during a briefing.

According to him, members of the criminal group planned to illegally purchase the radioactive substance in Tbilisi for 400,000 USD and illegally transport it to China via the territory of the Russian Federation.

"As a result of joint measures conducted by employees of the Counterintelligence and Special Operations Departments of the State Security Service, three Chinese citizens were detained in Tbilisi for attempting to illegally acquire 2 kilograms of nuclear material - uranium.

Members of the criminal group planned to illegally purchase the radioactive substance in Tbilisi for 400,000 USD and then illegally transport it to China via the territory of the Russian Federation.

To carry out the criminal plan, one of the Chinese citizens, who was in Georgia in violation of visa regulations, brought experts interested in acquiring uranium to Georgia and actively began searching for nuclear material across the country. This activity was coordinated from China by other members of the criminal group. As a result of operational information, the perpetrators were identified and detained during negotiations regarding the details of the illegal deal.

In addition, as part of the investigation, the temporary residences of the detained individuals in Tbilisi and Batumi were searched.

The investigation is being conducted under Article 230, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years," stated Lasha Maghradze.