Uzbekistan Cracks Down on Illegal Migration Schemes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has disrupted a series of illegal labour migration schemes, with law enforcement agencies detaining suspects in the Navoi and Kashkadarya regions during coordinated operations.

The activities were carried out by officers of the State Security Service together with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor’s Office.

In Navoi city, authorities detained the head of a travel company who allegedly abused the trust of a citizen born in 2006 from the Khatyrchi district. The suspect promised to arrange documentation and secure employment in Bulgaria. He was arrested while receiving US$3,000 as part of the arrangement.

A similar case was recorded in the Kitab district, where a resident of Tashkent region born in 1997 allegedly promised two citizens assistance in obtaining employment in Israel and arranging work visas through acquaintances. He demanded US$20,000 for the service. During operational measures, he was detained while receiving a partial payment of US$5,000.

Criminal cases have been initiated in both incidents, and investigative procedures are ongoing.

Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution regarding overseas job offers circulated through social media platforms and to seek assistance only through the Agency for External Labour Migration under the Cabinet of Ministers or licensed private employment agencies.