Illegal gold trade worth 740 million soums busted in Samarkand

Authorities in Kattaqorgon district of Samarkand region have cracked down on illegal gold trading, the State Security Service reported.

According to the report, a swift operation uncovered three individuals, born in 1982, 1984, and 1996, residing in Navoi and Samarkand regions, who attempted to sell two gold bars weighing a total of 475 grams for 737 million soums. They had already received 500 million soums in advance and were caught with evidence of the transaction.

The State Inspectorate for Precious Metals confirmed that the gold bars, with a purity of 994, had a net weight of 472 grams and a total value of 740.4 million soums.

A criminal case has been initiated against the suspects under Article 177, Part 4(a) of the Criminal Code (illegal acquisition or transfer of valuables), and investigative actions are underway.

During the investigation, it was revealed that two of the individuals had previous convictions, and one is currently serving a sentence of corrective labor.

Previously, attempts to smuggle gold bars out of Uzbekistan hidden in infant diapers were also foiled.

                                                                     Bunyod Keldiboev