At its 19th plenary session on Thursday, the Senate of Uzbekistan approved a law "On Amendments and Additions to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at further strengthening the protection and defense of the state border." Senators noted that the need to improve existing legislation is driven by new manifestations of transnational crime, particularly the construction of underground tunnels across the state border and their illegal use.

The law separately establishes criminal liability in the Criminal Code for the construction, operation of illegal tunnels and other underground infrastructure across the state border, as well as the organization or financing of such activities. It also strengthens liability for crossing the state border or committing smuggling crimes using such illegal structures.

Furthermore, the law reflects the principle of humanism. In particular, it provides that a person who commits such an act for the first time may be exempted from criminal liability if they voluntarily report the illegal tunnel or actively assist in solving the crime, and if their actions do not contain another crime.

In addition, the law introduces amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code. It stipulates that preliminary investigations into crimes related to the construction and use of illegal underground tunnels across the state border will be conducted by investigators of the State Security Service (SGB).

"The law serves as an important legal basis for strengthening the inviolability of the state border, increasing the effectiveness of the fight against transnational organized crime, ensuring national and economic security, and further strengthening peace and stability in the country," the upper chamber of parliament said in a statement.

Source: uznews.uz