MOSCOW, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Russian police have arrested seven members of an organized gang who attempted to sell more than 2 pounds of uranium-235 to undercover officers for $30,000, police officials said Thursday.
Six members of the gang, based in Balashikha, just east of Moscow, were arrested earlier this week at a cafe, while a seventh gangster, who was in possession of the uranium, was arrested later, the police said.
Police officers are trying to determine the origin of the uranium, while the gangsters have been charged with illegal possession of radioactive material.
Uranium is used in nuclear reactors and as fuel for nuclear submarines, while concentrated, enriched uranium is used in nuclear warheads.
There was no immediate official confirmation of a report by Russia's NTV television network that the seized uranium was weapons-grade.
Last month, Turkish police seized about half a pound of uranium apparently smuggled out of Russia, while Georgian police and customs officers also prevented the smuggling of almost 4 pounds of uranium-235 through Georgian ports in July.
The United States, concerned by the proliferation of nuclear material and the growing interest of international terrorist groups in gaining access to nuclear material, has urged Russia and European states to step up their vigilance in a bid to prevent the illegal transfer of radioactive material.
