Criminal Group Engaged in Illegal Gold Mining and Processing Detained in Navoi Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Navoi Region have dismantled an organized criminal group involved in the illegal extraction and processing of gold on state-owned land.

The operation was conducted by the Regional Office of the State Security Service in cooperation with local law enforcement.

According to the investigation, the group was led by the director of a private company specializing in the sports sector in Karmaninsky District. Foreign nationals were involved in the gold mining operations, which violated laws on taxation, geology, environmental protection, and safety regulations.

During the raid, authorities seized 17.2 kg of a gold-silver mixture, 20 kg of semi-processed gold items, 250 kg of enriched coal containing gold particles, over 280 tons of sand and ore, 230 liters of specialized chemical substances, as well as a laboratory and equipment for gold extraction, along with containers, gas cylinders, and other tools.

To facilitate extraction, the group had created four artificial ponds filled with chemical reagents, converting roughly one hectare of land into an industrial site.

All seized materials have been sent for forensic examination, and investigative proceedings are ongoing.