Tashkent region authorities seize firearm after viral video shows foreigner shooting in open field

The footage, which was sent to Kun.uz’s editorial office, showed a non-military individual discharging a weapon in what was described as an irrigated agricultural field. Based on the video, the firearm resembled an AK-74 assault rifle equipped with an optical sight. The individual was seen shooting at plastic bottles set up as targets.

The video was reportedly posted on the Chinese social media platform WeChat by a user identified as “Kevin Ke,” with a location tag indicating Yangiyul city. The person recording the video and the shooter were heard speaking in Chinese, commenting on hitting targets such as mineral water bottles and small cola bottles.

Following the publication of the footage, the Tashkent regional Department of Internal Affairs launched an investigation. According to the department’s spokesperson, Bobur Tulaganov, the individuals seen in the video are registered in Qibray district of the Tashkent region and currently reside in the Fergana region. Authorities began clarifying the origin of the weapon and the circumstances under which it was obtained.

Under Uzbekistan’s Law on Weapons, combat firearms and their ammunition may only be acquired, stored, and used by authorized state bodies and military structures.

Subsequent checks by regional law enforcement determined that the firearm used in the incident was not a military-grade assault rifle but a legally owned hunting weapon. According to the regional Internal Affairs Directorate’s information service, the case was promptly reviewed and all individuals appearing in the video were identified.

Investigators established that on January 20, 2026, a citizen identified as Y.Y. unlawfully handed over his licensed hunting firearm to an acquaintance, identified as Q.H., within the Tashkent region. The foreign national then used the weapon in the field, while the shooting process was filmed and later shared on WeChat.

Authorities confirmed that no harm was caused to any individuals or animals during the incident.

Administrative proceedings have been initiated under Article 220 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility, which covers violations of regulations governing the circulation of weapons and ammunition. The hunting firearm and its ammunition have been temporarily confiscated in accordance with established procedures.

Law enforcement agencies stated that a final legal decision will be made following the conclusion of the investigation, and additional information will be provided in due course.

The incident follows a previous case in the Syrdarya region involving Chinese nationals who were fined after a video showed them burning a 2,000-sum banknote to light a cigarette. Under a court ruling, each individual was fined 100 times the base calculation amount – UZS 41.2 million – and their employment contracts were subsequently terminated by their employer.