Attempt to Traffick Women to Turkey for Sexual Exploitation Thwarted at Samarkand Airport

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Law enforcement authorities at Samarkand International Airport prevented an attempt to traffic two women to Turkey for sexual exploitation, the press service of the Tashkent Regional Department of Internal Affairs reported.

The incident was uncovered during operational and preventive measures against organized crime, conducted jointly by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service.

As a result, two women from Tashkent region, aged 22 and 36, were stopped at the airport while preparing to travel to Turkey.

Investigations revealed that the trip was organized by a female Uzbek citizen, born in 1984 and currently residing in Turkey, who covered the cost of the airline tickets and related expenses.

Authorities reported that the purpose of the trip was to involve the women in prostitution.

A criminal case has been opened against the alleged organizer under Article 135 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan — “Human Trafficking.” Investigative actions are ongoing.