Tashkent authorities foil illegal smuggling scheme to U.S. via Mexico

Law enforcement officials in Tashkent’s Chilanzar district have apprehended individuals who were attempting to illegally transport Uzbek citizens to the United States via Mexico. The arrest was reported by the Economic Crimes Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office.

According to the report, officers from the Chilanzar district division and the State Security Service carried out a special operation. During the sting operation, foreign national N.S. convinced citizens Z.E. and I.S. that they could be smuggled across the U.S. border via Mexico for a payment of $40,000. He was caught red-handed receiving an initial $4,000 from the victims, with physical evidence securing his arrest.

Similarly, citizens J.T. and R.T. persuaded another individual, M.A., that they could arrange illegal entry into the United States through alternative routes for $18,000. They were arrested while accepting an advance payment of $5,000, with documented evidence of the transaction.

Criminal cases have been opened under Article 168 (Fraud) of the Criminal Code, and investigative proceedings are underway.

Earlier this month, authorities conducted operations in various regions of Uzbekistan, where several individuals promising illegal passage to the U.S. were also arrested.