Man Caught Smuggling 5.2 Billion UZS Worth of Gold Jewelry from Kyrgyzstan into Uzbekistan

The incident occurred at the “Vodil Avto” border customs post, where a 1992-born resident of Andijan was stopped while crossing into Fergana region. A search revealed he was illegally transporting a large quantity of gold items concealed in his clothing.

Authorities found a total of 859 pieces of jewelry and one wristwatch in his possession.

Experts later confirmed the items to be made of gold and adorned with diamonds. The total net weight of the jewelry was 4 kilograms and 155 grams, with an estimated market value of 5.2 billion UZS.

Preliminary investigations revealed that nearly 10 traders from Andijan and Fergana regions had brought the jewelry into Kyrgyzstan from Turkey. The detained individual was allegedly hired to smuggle the goods across the border in exchange for a $400 commission.

A criminal case has been launched under Article 182, Part 2(a) of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, and authorities are working to identify the owners of the confiscated items.