Gold smuggler detained at Fergana border post with UZS 5.2 billion in valuables

The operation was conducted by officers from the SSS’s regional departments in Andijan and Fergana. The suspect – a citizen born in 1992 and residing in Andijan city – was stopped and inspected while crossing the border from Kyrgyzstan through the Vodil checkpoint.

During the inspection, authorities discovered 859 pieces of jewelry and one wristwatch concealed under his clothing. The items had been transported from a neighboring country.

Experts confirmed that the items were made of gold and adorned with diamond stones. The total net weight of the gold was 4.155 kilograms, and the total estimated value was UZS 5.213 billion.

It was revealed that nearly 10 traders from the Andijan and Fergana regions had arranged for the jewelry to be brought from Turkey to Kyrgyzstan. The detained individual had agreed to smuggle the items across the border for a fee of $400.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 182, Part 2 (a) of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. Authorities are currently working to identify the owners of the smuggled valuables.