Large Criminal Activity
Large‑scale human trafficking ring uncovered in Uzbekistan
Uzbek authorities announced the dismantling of a major human trafficking network operating across several regions in early 2026, with dozens of suspects arrested and hundreds of victims identified.
In the first two months of 2026 Uzbek law enforcement authorities reported dismantling a large‑scale human trafficking ring that spanned multiple regions of the country. The operation led to the uncovering of 40 human trafficking cases, including sexual exploitation and forced labor schemes, as part of broader nationwide raids targeting organized crime groups. The interior ministry stated that the network often used falsified documents and online recruitment methods to lure victims, many of whom were moved to other countries for exploitation. The case is part of a wider crackdown on criminal groups engaged in extortion, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking, which has also resulted in the interruption of dozens of other organized crime networks across Uzbekistan.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Uzbekistan
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 00:50 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 00:50 UTC
- Source
- Kun.uz
- Connected threats
- Not provided