A group of individuals who allegedly disturbed public order and exerted psychological and physical pressure on citizens has been detained in Chirchiq, Tashkent region. The State Security Service (SSS) announced the operation.

During operational-search activities conducted by the SSS and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), a criminal case was opened against individuals who purportedly placed themselves above the law, engaging in hooliganism and so-called 'street justice.'

The suspects are accused of openly violating established norms of behavior and public order, committing acts of hooliganism. They allegedly earned money by exerting psychological and physical pressure on citizens.

A criminal case has been initiated, and investigative actions are underway. The SSS urged citizens who suffered from the illegal actions of these individuals to contact the short numbers 1520 (SSS) or 102 (MIA).

Earlier, a similar criminal group was identified in Andijan, where suspects allegedly pressured citizens and resolved disputes in cafes through 'street methods.' They were arrested on hooliganism charges.

The president has previously approved proposals to establish liability for creating a criminal association to commit serious crimes. Additionally, penalties for hooliganism are to be increased, and administrative liability for participating in illegal combat sports competitions is to be introduced.

According to the MIA, in January-February, 45 organized criminal groups were identified in Uzbekistan. Authorities uncovered 116 cases of extortion, 315 cases of illegal weapons possession, 86 cases of organizing gambling dens, 40 cases of human trafficking, and 790 cases of maintaining brothels. A total of 533 wanted persons were detained.

Source: www.gazeta.uz