Five detained in Andijan over alleged contract killing plot

Law enforcement agencies in Andijan have detained a group of individuals suspected of organizing a contract killing targeting a local entrepreneur.

According to officials, on February 4, 2026, a sole proprietor filed a complaint with the Andijan District Department of Internal Affairs, stating that a five-member organized group had allegedly arranged to hire a hitman for $1,500 to assassinate him. The entrepreneur requested protection and assistance from authorities.

Following the complaint, a joint special operation was carried out in Pakhtaobod district by the Andijan regional Department of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service and the regional prosecutor’s office.

Investigators identified the alleged ringleader as a 42-year-old man known by the nickname “Ronaldo,” previously convicted under eight articles of the Criminal Code. He was detained while allegedly handing over 300,000 UZS as part of the agreed $1,500 payment to a hired killer.

The suspected hitman, born in 2000 and reportedly convicted seven times previously, was also involved in the operation, authorities said.

During the swift operation, other members of the group were also arrested, including:

A 42-year-old man nicknamed “Boxer”;
A 1984-born individual;
A 23-year-old student;
The head of the Pakhtaobod District Medical Association, known by the nickname “Glavrach,” born in 1984.

A criminal case has been initiated against the suspects under Article 25 and Article 97, Part 2, Clause “p” of the Criminal Code – attempted premeditated murder committed by a group of persons or in the interests of an organized group.

Authorities are continuing investigative actions.

Earlier, a similar case involving an attempted contract killing was reported in Samarkand.