Moldova Prevents Uranium Sale To African Country

Moldovan authorities say they have detained six men suspected of trying to sell uranium to an undisclosed African country.

Prosecutor-General Vitalie Briceag said a container with a diameter of 40 centimeters and a height of 20 centimeters was found at one of the detained men's apartment.

Briceag said the "few kilograms" of uranium-235 were about to be sold to a buyer from a "Muslim African state."

Uranium-235 can be used in nuclear weapons, although it was not clear to what degree it was enriched.

Four detainees were Moldovans and two were citizens of the breakaway region of Transdniester.

The official said Moldovan authorities received assistance from Germany, Ukraine, and the United States in their investigation.

compiled from agency reports