According to information released by the press service of Uzbekistan's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), 45 organized criminal groups were identified in the country during January and February 2024. These groups were involved in various criminal activities, prompting extensive counter-operations by law enforcement agencies.

In a coordinated effort involving the MIA, the State Security Service (SSS), the Prosecutor General's Office, and other law enforcement structures, a total of 6,025 special rapid-response operations were conducted. These included 806 night raids and 2,876 searches. The operations led to the exposure of 116 cases of robbery, 315 cases of illegal weapons possession, 86 cases of organizing gambling establishments, 40 cases of human trafficking, and 790 cases of maintaining brothels and spreading HIV infection. Additionally, 533 individuals who were on the wanted list were apprehended.

In connection with weapons-related cases, authorities confiscated 4,570 cold weapons, including 50 knives, 72 brass knuckles, and 4,004 sharp-pointed objects. Furthermore, 5,814 rounds of ammunition and 3.7 kg of explosive materials were seized. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges related to the illicit circulation of weapons and explosives within the country.

The MIA also reported taking action in the digital sphere, blocking 47 social media accounts that were allegedly "promoting destructive foreign and criminal ideas among youth and the population, influencing the criminogenic situation." This move is part of broader efforts to curb the influence of criminal networks on vulnerable segments of society.

Source: www.gazeta.uz