Senate of Uzbekistan strengthens liability for tunnels at the border

Uzbekistan's Senate has toughened liability for tunnels at the border

At the 19th plenary session of the Senate of Uzbekistan, a law was reviewed providing for the strengthening of criminal liability for the construction and use of illegal underground tunnels across the state border. The senators approved this law.

The need for amendments, in particular, is driven by the emergence of new forms of transnational crime. One of these threats has been the construction of underground tunnels crossing the state border, as well as their subsequent illegal use.

During the discussion, it was noted that between 2016 and 2025, 12 illegal underground tunnels were detected on the state border of Uzbekistan. With their help, attempts were made to illegally import significant volumes of goods, currency, and other valuables into the country. The senators emphasized that such cases pose a threat to the inviolability of the state border, economic security, and national interests.

The adopted amendments introduce separate criminal liability for the construction and operation of illegal tunnels and other underground infrastructure facilities passing through the state border. Liability is also established for organizing or financing such activities.

At the same time, penalties are being toughened for illegal crossing of the state border and committing smuggling offenses using such structures.

The law also enshrines provisions based on the principle of humanity. A person who has committed such an act for the first time may be exempted from criminal liability, provided they voluntarily report the illegal tunnel to state authorities or actively assist in solving the crime. At the same time, their actions must not contain any other elements of a crime.

Amendments have also been made to the Criminal Procedure Code. According to the new norms, the preliminary investigation of 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 bodies.

According to the senators' assessment, the new norms form an additional legal basis for the prompt detection and effective investigation of such crimes. The law is also aimed at increasing the effectiveness of countering transnational organized crime and strengthening national and economic security.

The senators noted that the adoption of the law will contribute to ensuring the inviolability of the state border, as well as further strengthening peace and stability in the country.