SSS thwarts $1.2 million smuggling attempt at border 

Employees of the State Security Service (SSS), in collaboration with customs authorities, conducted a rapid operation at the “Navoi” border-customs post located in the Tashkent district of Tashkent region.

During the operation, a “Lacetti” vehicle traveling from Uzbekistan toward a neighboring country was stopped and inspected in the presence of impartial witnesses. It was discovered that a cellophane bag belonging to a passenger — a resident of Tashkent district — contained $874,000 in U.S. currency.

Investigations revealed that the individual intended to smuggle this sum into Kazakhstan without declaration, bypassing customs controls.

The operation continued, leading to the inspection of a temporary residence in Tashkent district belonging to a Tashkent city resident. This individual had collected the foreign currency from traders at markets in Tashkent and handed it over to the aforementioned woman. During the search, an additional $399,170 in U.S. dollars, prepared for future transfer to Kazakhstan, was uncovered.

In total, $1,273,170 in U.S. dollars was seized as material evidence during the operation.

Currently, a criminal case has been initiated against the involved individuals under Article 25, Part 2, Clause “a” of Article 182 of the Criminal Code. They have been detained as a preventive measure, and investigative actions are underway.