Law enforcement officers in the Yakkasaray district of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan detained 30 people. These include 12 foreigners with 18 local residents, on suspicion of organizing illegal online gambling.
Law enforcement agencies conducted a joint operation based on received intelligence. During a search of a rented house where gambling was allegedly taking place, they found physical evidence confirming illegal activities.
Press service of the Tashkent police Department reported that based on operational information, when an inspection of one of the houses was carried out with the participation of witnesses, it was established that online gambling based on risk is carried out in this house rented by foreign citizens.
The seized evidence includes 37 laptops, $1,400 in cash, 34 SIM cards, 7 mobile phones, and 12 bank cards. The investigation revealed that the turnover of the group for three months amounted to 900 thousand dollars.
On this incident under part 1 of article 278 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, a criminal case has been opened. It provides for punishment for the illegal organization or conduct of gambling, and the maintenance of brothels for such games. Daryo.uz reports that the maximum penalty under this article is imprisonment for up to 7 years.
Introduced on September 1, 2007, Uzbekistan has strict prohibitions on the organization and conduct of gambling. A presidential decree allows the organization of online risk-based games and betting activities starting in 2005. The decision aims to protect citizens’ rights, combat gambling addiction, and prevent money from flowing abroad. NAPPA or The National Agency for Project Management is now also responsible for the organization of lotteries.
