SSS and Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan Foil Several Serious Crimes Across the Country

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The State Security Service (SSS) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan continue large-scale operational and preventive measures aimed at suppressing serious and particularly serious crimes and strengthening law and order nationwide.

In Andijan region, three residents of the city of Andijan and the Altynkul district, born in 1995, 1998, and 2002, were detained. It was established that the suspects, impersonating law enforcement officers, forcibly put a 2004-born citizen from Andijan district—who was engaged in cryptocurrency operations—into a car.

Through extortion, they seized his digital assets worth US$100,000, giving him US$160,000 in counterfeit notes in exchange. Following operational actions, the suspects were arrested. A criminal case has been opened under Article 165, part 3(a), and Article 176, part 3(a) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In Surkhandarya region, another serious crime was uncovered. A previously convicted resident of Denov city, born in 1993, illegally detained a Tajik citizen, also born in 1993 and residing in Dushanbe. Investigation revealed that the suspect handed US$11,000 to his acquaintance from Dushanbe (born in 1988), leaving the other person in Denov as collateral. When the money was not returned on time, the foreign citizen was held hostage, tortured, and sustained serious bodily injuries. A criminal case has been initiated against the suspect, who is held in custody.

In Khorezm region, authorities suppressed illegal activities of a group involved in violence and self-governance under the guise of so-called “street conflicts.” Three citizens, born in 1991, 1996, and 1997, residing in Urgench, Khiva, and Bagat district, systematically committed crimes in their controlled territories. Criminal cases have been opened against each under Article 277 of the Criminal Code, and preventive measures were imposed in the form of arrest.

In Yangiyaryk district, a 1965-born citizen was found organizing gambling in his home. Law enforcement confiscated 32 million soums and playing cards from five participants. All involved will be held accountable according to the law.

In the fight against drug-related crimes in Jalakuduk district, Andijan region, a previously convicted 1950-born citizen was detained for storing 20.4 kg of marijuana at home for further sale. The narcotic was seized as material evidence, and a criminal case has been initiated.

Law enforcement agencies emphasized their commitment to continue taking strict and uncompromising measures against any manifestations of criminal activity.