15:17, 4 April 2013

Three people detained in Tbilisi on suspicion of selling radioactive substance

In the capital of Georgia, three persons were detained on the fact of trading the highly radioactive material 241-Am (isotope of americium).

As reported in the evening on April 3 at a special briefing by Natia Sukhiashvili, the head of the investigatory service of the Georgia's Ministry of Finance, all the three were detained on April 3 at the moment of purchasing the substance. She explained that the substance is highly radioactive; it is hazardous to stay near it.

According to her story, a criminal case was opened; and in the event the detainees' guilt is proved, they will face a prison term from 5 to 10 years. Ms Sukhiashvili gave no other details, referring to the secrecy of investigation.

Author: Alena Aleshchenko

Source: CK correspondent