Uzbekistan Cracks Down on Illegal Gold and Platinum Trade

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbek authorities have thwarted attempts to illegally trade precious metals during a joint operation by the State Security Service and the State Customs Committee.

According to law enforcement, a 1985-born resident of Andijan, with the assistance of several couriers, received 162 grams of gold jewelry illegally imported from Kyrgyzstan via the Dustlik international checkpoint, bypassing customs controls. The total value of the seized jewelry is estimated at US$17,000. The suspect was detained at a traffic checkpoint in Khodjaabad District while traveling to Andijan.

Further investigations revealed that a 1983-born resident of Kokand attempted to find a buyer for 908 grams of platinum. He was apprehended in the act while trying to sell the metal for US$62,950.

Authorities continue preliminary investigative measures to determine all circumstances of the cases and identify potential accomplices.