Tashkent Airport Stops Human Trafficking Attempt

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Tashkent have prevented an attempt to transport a woman from Uzbekistan abroad for sexual exploitation, according to the press service of the regional Department of Internal Affairs.

The suspect was detained at Tashkent International Airport while attempting to send the victim to the United Arab Emirates.

The detained individual is a 25-year-old resident of Angren city in Tashkent region. She is alleged to have acted in coordination with individuals based in Dubai, investigators said.

According to the investigation, she gained the trust of a 20-year-old woman from the Jizzakh region and attempted to arrange her departure abroad under false pretenses.

Authorities said the suspect convinced the victim that she had secured high-paying employment opportunities abroad. Another woman from Uzbekistan was expected to receive her upon arrival in Dubai.

Law enforcement agencies stated that the attempt was stopped during an operational measure at the Tashkent airport while the victim was being prepared to depart for Dubai.

A criminal case has been opened against the suspect under points “d” and “k” of part 2 of Article 135 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (“Human trafficking”). Investigative actions are ongoing.

Authorities are also working to identify other individuals allegedly involved in the case.