Uzbekistan's State Security Service (SSS) announced the interception of an attempt to smuggle gold bars into Kyrgyzstan in the Fergana Region. In a joint rapid operation conducted by the SSS Directorate for Fergana Region and customs officials, a Damas vehicle driven by a 30-year-old resident of Fergana District was inspected. The individual had arrived at the "Vodil-avto" border customs post with the intention of crossing into Kyrgyzstan.

During the inspection, four gold bars of non-standard shape, concealed within the vehicle's body, were discovered and seized as material evidence. According to expert conclusions, the pure weight of the gold bars totaled 1 kg 232 grams. Their total value was estimated at 2 billion 182 million 466 thousand Uzbek soums (approximately $175,000 USD), marking one of the significant cases of gold smuggling reported in the country recently.

In connection with this incident, a criminal case has been initiated against the individual under Part 2, Article 182 of the Criminal Code (violation of customs legislation — on a particularly large scale), and investigative actions are underway. This offense carries severe penalties and reflects the government's efforts to strengthen border control measures amid ongoing economic challenges.

Previously, in the Andijan Region, an attempt to illegally export 473 grams of gold bars worth 819 million soums to Kyrgyzstan was identified. SSS and customs officials detained two individuals at a border post, and a criminal case was also initiated. These incidents highlight the persistent issue of gold smuggling in the region, raising concerns about cross-border illicit trade.

For reference, under current legislation, individuals are permitted to export silver items weighing up to 200 grams and ready-made gold jewelry weighing up to 65 grams outside the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan without filling out a passenger customs declaration, while quantities exceeding these limits require declaration. The weight of the intercepted bars far exceeds this limit, classifying the activity as illegal smuggling.

Source: www.gazeta.uz