Two criminal gangs detained after violent dispute over Charvak beaches (video)

Law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the State Security Service (SSS), have dismantled two criminal groups allegedly involved in violent activities in Bostanliq District, the SSS reported.

According to the investigation, the conflict arose between two criminal groups based in Bostanliq District over control of beaches around the Charvak Reservoir. The groups allegedly sought to seize the beach areas illegally through the use of force and expand their spheres of influence.

As a result of the dispute, members of the first group assaulted representatives of the rival group, inflicting bodily injuries. Authorities said four members of the first group were detained in accordance with procedural regulations. A criminal case was opened against them under Article 277 of Uzbekistan's Criminal Code (hooliganism), and they were placed in pretrial detention.

However, the conflict did not end there. According to investigators, on June 16, members of the second criminal group allegedly attacked a member of the rival group who had not been detained, seeking revenge. The victim was assaulted with brass knuckles and a baseball bat and sustained serious injuries. During operational measures carried out on June 19, three active members of the second group and six other individuals connected to the incident—a total of nine people—were detained.

Investigators also found that one member of the second group had allegedly used Instagram to distribute materials promoting the ideology of a religious extremist movement. Authorities said the violation had been documented in accordance with established procedures.

The SSS said the investigation into the case is ongoing.

Earlier, law enforcement authorities in Bukhara Region dismantled a group of underage athletes from Bukhara City who had allegedly formed an organized criminal group.