Court orders pretrial detention for Chinese citizens accused of attempting to buy uranium

14:01, 26.10.2025

Tbilisi City Court has ordered pretrial detention for three Chinese citizens who were arrested on suspicion of attempting to purchase two kilograms of nuclear material, specifically uranium, illegally.

The detainees pleaded not guilty. Their defense lawyers requested release on bail, but the court rejected the motion.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects allegedly planned to purchase the radioactive material in Tbilisi for 400,000 USD and later smuggle it to China through the territory of the Russian Federation.

The investigation is ongoing under Part 1 of Article 230 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Justice/Crime

nuclear material

Uranium