Almost 300 people identified as beggars in Tashkent in one month

In June of this year, approximately 300 individuals engaged in begging were identified during preventive and operational measures carried out in Tashkent. This was reported by the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the capital.

According to the report, 70 individuals were sentenced to administrative detention under Article 188³ of the Code of Administrative Responsibility (begging), while 47 were fined. Preventive conversations were held with 68 individuals, and warnings were issued by the court. In addition, 44 minors were transferred to the Centers for Social and Legal Assistance to Minors, and 15 people lacking identification documents were sent to a rehabilitation center. Criminal cases were initiated against two individuals under Article 127¹ of the Criminal Code (begging). Investigations are ongoing in relation to the remaining individuals.

It was further noted that, according to the semi-annual report for the current year, a total of 1,880 people were found to have taken up begging as a profession.

For reference, Article 188³ of the Code of Administrative Responsibility provides for administrative penalties for engaging in begging. The offense is punishable by a fine of up to three times the basic calculation amount or up to 15 days of administrative arrest. Involving minors, elderly persons, individuals with mental illnesses or disabilities, or coercing others into begging through the use of alcohol or substances that affect mental perception (though not classified as narcotic or psychotropic) may result in a fine of up to ten times the basic calculation amount or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.

If such acts are repeated after an administrative penalty has been applied—or if they are committed by a recidivist, an organized group, or involve coercion to consume narcotic or psychotropic substances—they constitute a criminal offense under Article 127¹ of the Criminal Code and are punishable by imprisonment for up to five years.

It should be noted that earlier, several women were observed on the streets of Tashkent allegedly posing as "public improvement workers" and soliciting money from drivers.