Georgia Arrests Uranium Smuggler


Abstract Number :	20010650
Headline:	Georgia Arrests Uranium Smuggler
Date:	22 December 2001
Bibliography:	RANSAC Nuclear News, 28 December 2001
Author:
Orig. Src.:	Reuters, 22 December 2001
Case:
Material:	LEU
Abstract: Eduard Kazaryan, an Armenian national, was arrested on 19 December 2001 in Samtskhe-Javakheti province, Georgia for smuggling 300g of uranium, Reuters reported.[1] The arrest was the result of a joint operation between Georgian police and the Georgian Ministry of State Security. According to a senior Georgian security official, Kazaryan smuggled one plate of low-grade uranium-235 [probably LEU] from Armenia into Georgia and intended to sell it for $7,000 in Turkey. Georgian authorities suspect the uranium was stolen from the Metsamor nuclear power plant in Armenia, and intend to contact Armenian law enforcement to verify the origin of the material.[1] The Samtskhe-Javakheti police are investigating the incident, and under Georgian law Kazaryan may be sentenced to three years in prison for smuggling uranium.[1] [1] Prime-News, 22 December 2001; in "Georgian Law Enforcers Arrest Armenian National Attempting to Smuggle in Uranium," FBIS Document CEP20011222000065.

The Center for Nonproliferation Studies has not verified the accuracy or veracity of this report or the facts presented therein. For more information on the material in this database please contact Anya Loukianova.

This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents. Copyright © 2008 by MIIS.

Advanced Search