Uzbekistan Cracks Down on Illegal Gold Trade

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During a series of law enforcement operations across several regions of Uzbekistan, authorities uncovered multiple cases of illegal gold trafficking.

In Bukhara region, two men aged 21 and 25 were detained while attempting to sell a non-standard gold bar weighing 110 grams for US$17,000. A search of one suspect’s residence, who had fabricated the alloy, revealed metal-melting equipment, precursors, and oxygen and gas cylinders. An expert appraisal valued the confiscated gold bar at 209,757,000 Uzbekistani soums.

Another incident occurred at Tashkent International Airport, where a 46-year-old foreign national arriving from abroad was stopped. During a personal inspection, authorities found he attempted to smuggle 226 grams of gold jewelry hidden in his shoes. The total value of the items was estimated at 290,516,000 soums.

In Andijan region, a 29-year-old man entering through the international checkpoint “Dustlik” from Kyrgyzstan was detained. Authorities discovered undeclared gold jewelry weighing 241 grams, valued at approximately 400,000,000 soums. Investigators reported that the items were imported from Turkey via Kyrgyzstan for resale.

Criminal cases have been initiated for all incidents, and investigations are ongoing.