Cybercrime cases surge elevenfold across Uzbekistan

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, between 2021–2025, material losses suffered by citizens as a result of these crimes totaled UZS 3.73 trillion. Nearly half of that amount, UZS 1.89 trillion, occurred during the first 11 months of the current year alone.

“We must acknowledge that in the past we lacked sufficient experience in combating crimes in this area. That is why we established information and experience exchange with our foreign partners, engaged leading international experts, and put in place a dedicated personnel training system,” said Ramazon Ashrapov, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Head of the Investigation Department.

In particular, a new specialization titled “Combating crimes in the field of digital technologies” was launched at the ministry’s academy, with an additional 100 cadets admitted this year.

A digital laboratory has also been established. As part of these efforts, 483 phishing programs – considered among the most dangerous and responsible for significant financial losses by citizens through illegal withdrawals from bank accounts – were identified and blocked.

In addition, 2,424 crimes related to violations of legislation governing cryptoasset circulation were uncovered, preventing UZS 76 billion from being transferred out of the country.

Authorities also blocked 3,843 internet resources deemed to threaten public order or promote the humiliation of personal honor and dignity, along with 1,508 malicious links.