As a result of several operations conducted across various regions of Georgia over the past 36 hours, 29 individuals have been detained and charged across 13 separate criminal cases, the First Deputy Head of the State Security Service [SSSG], Lasha Maghradze, said at today`s briefing.

"Let me begin with the operation conducted jointly by the Counter-Intelligence and Special Operations Departments.

Following the processing of intelligence, two foreign nationals were detained in Kutaisi whilst attempting to illegally acquire nuclear and radioactive materials.

They had been planning to purchase nuclear material, uranium, and the radioactive substance Caesium-137 for USD 3 million, with the intention of illegally transporting it to another country.

To carry out this criminal plan, the foreign nationals had been travelling to Georgia repeatedly over recent weeks, actively engaged in creating the conditions necessary for the acquisition and transportation of the nuclear and radioactive materials. We wish to make clear to the public that the substances in question are typically used for various criminal purposes, including terrorism. The investigation is being conducted under Part 1 of Article 19-230 of the Criminal Code", - said Lasha Maghradze.