Authorities detain individuals in Fergana for massive gas theft

Authorities in Fergana have detained several individuals accused of stealing natural gas worth 5.5 billion UZS. The group is now facing criminal charges and could face prison sentences ranging from 8 to 15 years.

According to the General Prosecutor’s Office, the illegal operation, led by a citizen identified as T.M., inflicted significant financial damage to the state by unlawfully tapping into the natural gas supply. The suspects established an underground lime production facility in Fergana. Without authorization, they connected homemade gas burners to a medium-pressure underground gas pipeline and stole over 2.1 million cubic meters of natural gas, valued at 5.6 billion UZS.

An investigation has been launched, and criminal charges have been filed against T.M., K.M., and other participants under Article 169, section 4, point "a" of the Criminal Code, which addresses theft on an especially large scale. All suspects have been taken into custody.

The case highlights ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal gas usage and protect public resources from unauthorized exploitation.