"Zulya" scheme leading to prostitution exposed: Human trafficking stopped in Tashkent

Another dangerous case of human trafficking was stopped in Tashkent region. During a special operation carried out by joint rapid response teams of the Main Department of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service, a person attempting to take a 22-year-old girl to Russia for prostitution was arrested.

According to official reports, a 54-year-old woman (Kh.T.) residing in Angren, took advantage of the young girl's vulnerability and hopelessness by luring her with false promises of high income. The girl was promised a “well-off life” in Saint Petersburg, but behind those words was a disgusting aim — prostitution that degrades human dignity.

During the operation, material evidence was seized from the detained woman and the victim at the Tashkent International Airport. According to investigative data, behind this “operation” was a woman named Zulia living in Saint Petersburg. She had fully covered the travel expenses, documents, and other costs. In return, the plan was to involve the 22-year-old girl in sexual exploitation, and to pay a fixed amount to the woman who delivered her.

Currently, a criminal case has been initiated against the arrested person under Article 135, Part 2, clauses “a” and “z” of the Criminal Code (human trafficking, coercion of a young woman into prostitution). The investigation is being conducted by the Investigation Department under the Kibray District Police Department.

This incident is yet another tragic example of human trafficking and the violation of human dignity. It is essential to carry out broad public awareness efforts to prevent women and young girls from falling into such traps. Law enforcement agencies are calling to prevent all possible cases in this area.

Human trafficking is a crime. And the fight against this crime must be collective and decisive. In every society, every woman, every person must have rights and be protected.