Story perspectives

Georgia Detains Foreign Nationals in $3M Uranium Bid

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 19, 2026, Georgia's National Security Service detained two foreign nationals in Kutaisi after they attempted to buy $3 million worth of uranium and Cesium 137.
The service noted other foreigners had arrived in Georgia with similar intentions.
The statement did not disclose the quantity sought or origin and destination.
Nuclear-security concerns have persisted since the Soviet Union's fall in 1991, with past illicit nuclear trade in Georgia.

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Story summary

On February 19, 2026, Georgia's National Security Service detained two foreign nationals in Kutaisi after they attempted to buy $3 million worth of uranium and Cesium 137.
The service noted other foreigners had arrived in Georgia with similar intentions.
The statement did not disclose the quantity sought or origin and destination.
Nuclear-security concerns have persisted since the Soviet Union's fall in 1991, with past illicit nuclear trade in Georgia.