Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul has issued a warning to Uzbek citizens about the legal consequences of involvement in illegal migration to Europe.

"Recently, criminal groups have been offering large financial rewards to Uzbek citizens and attempting to use them as intermediaries for the illegal transportation of migrants to EU countries, particularly Greece, via sea routes," the statement said.

The consulate reminded that under Turkish law, such activities are punishable by severe criminal penalties, including long-term imprisonment. Individuals involved in facilitating illegal migration face up to 10 years in prison, hefty fines, deportation, entry bans to Türkiye and European countries, and revocation of residence and work permits in Türkiye.

The diplomatic mission strongly urged citizens not to trust criminal organizations and to refrain from participating in such illegal schemes.