Uzbekistan Stops Gold and Cash Smuggling Involving Minors

Uzbekistan's Customs Committee has thwarted two separate attempts to illicitly transport gold and foreign currency across the national border, both involving the use of minor children.

In one instance at the Navoi border customs post in the Tashkent region, officers inspecting a departing woman discovered two gold ingots, weighing approximately 200 grams in total, concealed within an infant's diaper. Additionally, 70 grams of undeclared gold jewelry were confiscated from her. The estimated value of the seized items is approximately 450 million soums.

A second incident involved a citizen from a neighboring country who attempted to smuggle US$40,000 out of Uzbekistan by hiding the cash under the clothing of his 14-year-old daughter while crossing the state border.

The Customs Committee reiterated that individuals are permitted to export foreign currency cash up to an equivalent of 100 million soums, provided customs regulations are followed. The committee also highlighted that involving minors in administrative offenses is considered an aggravating factor, punishable by a fine of 10 to 30 base calculating values. If a minor is implicated in a criminal act, the penalty can range from five to ten years of imprisonment.

Investigations into both incidents are currently underway.