37 people detained in Bukhara for illegal gold mining

According to UzA, the inspection was carried out by the “Konttehnazorat” agency at several sites in the Bukhara and Navoi regions.

The investigation covered the Quljuqtov area in Bukhara region’s Shofirkon district and the Tovshan mountain range in Kanimeh district of Navoi region. It revealed cases of illegal gold extraction by unauthorized individuals in territories managed by the “Oltin Kon” LLC.

Based on the collected materials, the State Security Service and regional police departments took prompt operational measures. In particular, during the operation in the Quljuqtov area, 37 people were caught in the act of engaging in illegal mining activities.

During the operation, three Ford vehicles, eight perforators, six compressors, about 400 sacks of gold-bearing ore, and various improvised mining tools were seized as physical evidence. The illegal activity is estimated to have caused total damage exceeding UZS 20 billion to state and public interests.