Illegal gold producing workshop was discovered in Bukhara region 

In Bukhara, hidden unlawful shops, which are specialized in removing gold particles from the sand with golden powder and making solid gold, have been identified. This was reported by the press service of Bukhara regional department of the Office for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor's Office.

According to the source, the “Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Combine” combines large quantities of sand humps with golden powder on the designated area of the desert ridge “Zarafshon”. These sands are intended for further extraction of gold and processing in future.

The report pointed out that more than 30 people living in “Nazarobod”, “Kayrogoch”, “Bogishamol” and “Pattakhon” villages of Shofirkan district have transported sands through sidewalks. They have been processing the sand since long time to extract gold powder secretly. Besides, they have dealt with the sale of solid gold, as well as supplying clients with them. 

Bukhara regional police department, Prosecutor's Office, State Tax Inspectorate, Regional Office of the Economic Crimes Department at the General Prosecutor's Office have jointly inspected 235 addresses in Shofirkon district, consequently, 20 criminal cases have been identified.

Reportedly, in the house of T. K., a resident of “Nazarobod” district of Shofirkon district, 4 tons of sand, 125 kg of nitrate and 5 liters of acid were found. Additionally, there was handmade equipment for processing these products.

Moreover, it was detected that in the village “Kayrogoch”, citizen N. Kh. had been reserving 2.5 tons of sand with golden powder. Another citizen R. U. was hiding an acid-chemical mixture in 7 200-liter and 2 20-liter plastic rolls at the basement of his house. During the inspections, it was also discovered that a resident of the village “Pattakhon” L. A. had been operating a secret workshop – he was holding about 1 tons of sand and specialized hand-made equipment.

It turned out that more than 30 villagers have been doing illicit business for years.

All equipment has been seized as material evidence in the prescribed manner.

On the above identified cases, 30 individuals have been imposed legal penalties in accordance with the Article 165 of the Administrative Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.