SSS detains three suspects in illegal gold sale attempt in Samarkand 

According to the SSS, officers from its Kashkadarya regional directorate, working alongside economic crime investigators, conducted a rapid-response operation during which the suspects, residents of Navoi and Samarkand regions born in 1982, 1984, and 1996, were caught in the act of selling gold bars without proper authorization.

The three individuals had allegedly agreed to sell two gold ingots weighing a total of 475 grams for UZS 737 million and received UZS 500 million from the buyer at the time of their arrest. Law enforcement officers seized the cash and the gold as material evidence.

An assessment by the State Assay Office determined that the bars were of 994 purity, with a net weight of 472 grams and a total market value estimated at UZS 740.4 million.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 177, Part 4(a), of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which covers the unlawful acquisition or transfer of currency valuables. Investigators have launched further proceedings.

Authorities noted that two of the suspects had prior criminal records, and one was serving a correctional labor sentence at the time he allegedly committed the offence.