Man sentenced in Tashkent for fraud and mercenarism after sending migrants to Russian border

As the number of Uzbek nationals participating in the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the Russian side reportedly reaches 5,000, concerns are growing over informal schemes targeting migrant workers. These schemes specifically target individuals seeking to return to Russia after being deported. One recent case in Uzbekistan involved a man accused of using Telegram to lure deported migrants with promises of assistance, only for them to allegedly face pressure to join the military after reaching the border.

According to online sources, Russia deported nearly 45,000 foreign nationals in 2023, around 90,000 in 2024, and more than 70,000 in 2025 – many of whom were Uzbek citizens. Investigators found that 32-year-old Andijan resident Nursulton Tavakkalov offered paid assistance to those seeking to bypass these entry restrictions.

Migrant says he was pressured to join conflict at airport

One witness, Nodir Olimov, had worked in Russia’s construction sector for years before receiving a 10-year entry ban in late 2023. Hoping to return, he contacted Tavakkalov, who claimed he could arrange entry through personal connections for RUB 250,000. Olimov paid an initial $400 upfront.

In June 2025, Tavakkalov instructed Olimov to travel from Kyrgyzstan to Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, promising that contacts there would facilitate his entry. Upon arrival, however, police escorted Olimov to a room where two military officers allegedly pressured him to sign a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry. Olimov refused, stating he had no intention of fighting for another country. He testified that he was held in a cold room with 15–20 other Central Asian migrants, some of whom were subjected to intimidation and physical force. After his health deteriorated, he was deemed unfit to travel and returned to Kyrgyzstan.

Second migrant stopped at border and airport

Another victim, Erali Ruziqulov, had been banned from Russia for five years. He agreed to pay Tavakkalov UZS 45 million to have his restriction lifted. After paying an advance of UZS 30 million, Ruziqulov attempted to enter Russia by bus via Kazakhstan. At the border, he was detained and told he could only enter if he agreed to fight in Ukraine.

Ruziqulov refused and was subjected to psychological pressure before being turned back. Tavakkalov later suggested a second attempt via flight to Novosibirsk. However, Kyrgyz border guards warned him that he remained banned and advised him to abandon the journey, which he ultimately did.

Court sentences organizer to 7.5 years in prison

Tavakkalov was arrested on August 14, 2025. During his trial, he partially admitted guilt regarding the money but denied coordinating with Russian law enforcement or military recruiters.

The Mirzo Ulugbek District Criminal Court was not convinced. In a ruling issued on February 12, 2026, the court found Tavakkalov guilty under Articles 28 and 154 of the Criminal Code – related to mercenarism – as well as Article 168 for fraud. He was sentenced to seven years and two months, which was increased to seven and a half years after including an unserved portion of a previous sentence. Tavakkalov will serve his term in a high-security penal colony and has been ordered to compensate the victims for financial damages.