Uzbek woman wanted for financial crimes arrested in Türkiye, deported to Uzbekistan

A 73-year-old Uzbek woman, wanted since 2014 for multiple financial crimes, has been arrested in Türkiye. The suspect, identified as Khaticha Jafarova, was detained during a joint operation conducted by the Turkish and Uzbek Ministries of Internal Affairs. According to Uzbekistan’s Consulate General in Istanbul, Jafarova has been deported to Uzbekistan following her arrest.

Jafarova, born in 1951, held senior positions in Uzbekistan’s banking and private financial sectors from 2011 to 2013. She has been accused of organizing a criminal group, embezzling large amounts of property, fraud, and operating a fraudulent business. Authorities also allege she was involved in the laundering of illicit funds. Her criminal activities led to an international search warrant being issued in 2014.

The Uzbek authorities have called on individuals who may have been victims of Jafarova’s actions to come forward and report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs or its local offices.

This successful operation marks a significant step in holding Jafarova accountable for the alleged crimes that have impacted numerous individuals and organizations.