Uzbekistan Seizes 60kg of Silver in Illegal Metals Sting

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A sting operation in Tashkent region has exposed an unlicensed precious metals operation, with authorities seizing nearly 60 kilograms of silver and over two kilograms of gold from a jewelry manufacturer operating without refining permits.

The operation was conducted jointly by the State Security Service (SGS), the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, and customs authorities in the Zangiata district of Tashkent region.

Officers detained a 1992-born Tashkent resident attempting to sell 13 silver ingots — totaling 10 kilograms and 35 grams — to an undercover buyer for $20,800. Expert assessment placed the value of that initial seizure at 235.229 million soums.

Wider Operation Uncovers Larger Cache

The arrest unraveled a broader scheme. Investigators established that the detained individual was an employee of a limited liability company engaged in processing gold and silver jewelry — without holding the legal authorization required for refining operations in Uzbekistan.

A subsequent search of the company's premises yielded 58 kilograms of silver and 2.2 kilograms of gold. The total value of all confiscated precious metals has been assessed at 3 billion 483 million soums.

A criminal case has been opened. Investigative proceedings are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the operation.

The State Security Service has urged citizens to report similar violations by calling the short number 1520, guaranteeing confidentiality to all informants.