Georgia's State Security Service arrested two foreigners in Kutaisi who attempted to illegally acquire enriched uranium and cesium-137 isotopes. The black market value of the seized radioactive materials is estimated at nearly $3 million. The suspects planned to smuggle the dangerous cargo out of Georgia, which could have been used to create a so-called dirty bomb or carry out a terrorist attack with unpredictable consequences.

Million-Dollar Transaction in Kutaisi

Two foreign nationals were arrested attempting to buy uranium and cesium-137 for $3 million.

Thwarted Nuclear Smuggling

The nuclear materials were to be exported from Georgia. The services prevented a potential terrorist act abroad.

Identified Isotopes

Among the seized substances was cesium-137, often used in so-called dirty bombs, as well as enriched uranium.

Officers of the State Security Service of Georgia conducted a spectacular operation in the city of Kutaisi, resulting in the apprehension of two foreign nationals. The detained men attempted to acquire nuclear materials, including uranium and the radioactive isotope cesium-137. According to official service statements, the transaction amounted to $3 million (approx. €2.5 million). Investigators determined that these materials were to be smuggled to another country, although the destination country has not been publicly disclosed for the sake of the ongoing investigation. During a press briefing, Lasha Magradze, the deputy head of the security service, confirmed that the operation was the result of long-term operational activities. The seized substances are extremely dangerous; cesium-137 combined with conventional explosives could be used to build a so-called dirty bomb, which would contaminate extensive urban areas. For years, Georgia has been grappling with the challenge of illegal trafficking of radioactive materials, stemming from its location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and its proximity to post-Soviet nuclear stockpiles. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, dozens of attempts to smuggle uranium and plutonium have been recorded in the Caucasus region. The detained foreigners face severe penalties of long-term imprisonment for the illegal possession and trade of nuclear materials. The prosecution is currently investigating the suspects' links to international criminal groups and potential recipients of the cargo. This incident has once again put international agencies overseeing nuclear security on high alert, as they monitor the flow of dangerous substances in the South Caucasus region. 3 mln USD — the radioactive materials were estimated to cost on the black market Authorities in Tbilisi have not disclosed the identities or nationalities of the detainees, which is standard practice in counter-terrorism cases. Experts point out that thwarting this transaction is a major success for Georgian counterintelligence, which closely cooperates with Western partners in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Security Intervention Timeline: February 19, morning — First Reports; February 19, 16:23 — Confirmation in Kutaisi; February 19, evening — Details on the Material

Mentioned People

  • Lasha Magradze — Deputy Head of the State Security Service of Georgia, who informed the media about the details of the operation.