Tashkent authorities identify over 1,800 repeat beggars; 47 fined, 70 jailed

During rapid-response and preventive operations carried out in Tashkent in June against individuals involved in begging, nearly 300 people were identified and subjected to appropriate measures, the Tashkent City Department of Internal Affairs reported.

Out of those, 70 individuals were sentenced to administrative detention under the article “Engaging in Begging” of the Administrative Responsibility Code. Additionally:

• 47 individuals were fined administratively;
• 68 people received official warnings following preventive interviews with the court;
• 44 minors were handed over to the Center for Social and Legal Assistance to Minors;
• 15 individuals who lacked identification documents were sent to a Rehabilitation Center;
• Criminal proceedings were initiated against 2 individuals under the relevant article of the Criminal Code.
• Investigations are ongoing with respect to the remaining individuals.

The report highlights that 1,880 people have been officially identified in the first half of 2025 as having taken up begging as a regular occupation.

According to the law, engaging in such an offense is punishable by a fine of up to three times the base calculation unit (BCU) – 1,125,000 UZS – or up to 15 days of administrative detention.

Furthermore, involving minors, elderly individuals, people with mental disorders, persons with disabilities, or others in begging – especially by forcing them to consume alcohol, narcotics, or substances that impair judgment – is punishable by a fine of up to 10 times the BCU (3,750,000 UZS) or up to 15 days of administrative detention.

If such actions are repeated after an administrative penalty has been imposed, they may result in criminal liability, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment.