Uzbek citizen wanted for 25 years in international terrorism case repatriated

In November of this year, an Uzbek citizen who had been on the international wanted list for over 25 years for involvement in terrorist organizations was apprehended abroad and brought back to Uzbekistan, the State Security Service reported.

According to the agency, the operation was conducted jointly by the State Security Service of Uzbekistan and foreign intelligence services through a series of rapid-response investigative measures. The individual supported extremist religious ideologies and aimed to participate in “hijra” and “jihad.” After leaving Uzbekistan in 1999, he joined international terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Syria, taking part in combat activities.

Using forged documents issued in another name, he had been living in hiding before being captured in one of the CIS member states.

He is currently under investigation under Articles 154 (recruitment), 155 (terrorism), 159 (assault on the constitutional order of Uzbekistan), and other relevant provisions of the Criminal Code.

For reference, earlier, three Uzbek citizens on Interpol’s wanted list were apprehended in the United Arab Emirates.