Which crimes are Uzbeks in Turkey most often becoming victims of?

Uzbeks in Turkey most frequently become victims of fraud and human trafficking. This was stated by Uzbekistan’s Consul General in Istanbul, Sherzod Abdunazarov, in an interview with QALAMPIR.UZ.

The consular district of Uzbekistan’s Consulate General in Istanbul includes the city of Istanbul as well as the Turkish provinces of Aydin, Balikesir, Bilecik, Bursa, Izmir, and Kocaeli, among others, and also covers Bulgaria. According to the Consul General, in these areas — particularly in Bulgaria — the rate at which Uzbeks commit crimes is significantly lower than that of other nationalities.

However, some Uzbeks who have committed crimes in Uzbekistan take advantage of the 90-day visa-free regime to flee to Turkey. In addition, problems often arise with those who live in the country without obtaining legal residence permits.

Fraud and human trafficking remain the most common crimes affecting Uzbek citizens. Among victims of human trafficking, there are cases linked to illegal migration routes to the United States and European countries. Meanwhile, statistics show that cases involving transit through Turkey to Syria have significantly declined.

Earlier, the headless body of an Uzbek woman was found in Istanbul. As part of the investigation, two citizens of Uzbekistan were detained while attempting to flee from Turkey to Georgia on a flight.