At the meeting held on January 27, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev openly criticized the slow progress in restricting the activities of organized criminal groups. The head of state emphasized that this category of people "don't just walk the streets" - now they are wearing a "business mask" and entering where there is income.
The President's words are brief and firm: it was noted that such gangs have even gone abroad and are going as far as robbing their compatriots there. That is, the problem is not limited to the neighborhood or district, but is transboundary.
Which directions are being "captured the most"
The meeting noted a sharp increase in the activity of criminal groups, especially in the following areas:
- purchase and sale of apartment buildings,
- purchase and sale of cars,
- organization of financial pyramids,
- Services related to sending people on Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
And numbers are not a game. It was reported that in Tashkent alone, more than 3,000 citizens suffered losses of 1.3 trillion soums due to the sale of apartments. This is the hope, money, nerves, and trust of thousands of families.
What measures are being taken to avoid falling into the trap of fraudsters?
The President also pointed out that officials are not doing enough to improve the legal literacy of the population. Because fraudsters play games with people's hearts: they start with phrases like "I'll solve it quickly," "easy money," "there's a way" - and the result is court, debt, regret.
Interference in business, threats and "black pressure"
At the meeting, it was especially noted that recently criminal groups have been interfering in transactions and business processes, exerting pressure on entrepreneurs and investors. This is a direct blow to both the economy and the mood of people to work freely.
The rule of law will also be ensured abroad
Since the problem has come to the forefront, a solution is being widely proposed: the position of representative of internal affairs has been introduced in embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, the USA, and other countries. It was noted that these representatives, working together with their colleagues abroad, will contribute to ensuring the rule of law regarding such violence, as well as preventing citizens from falling under the influence of alien ideas.
New assignments and special service
Responsible persons were instructed to create a unified system for combating organized crime in the transboundary and virtual spheres. It was also decided to create a separate service for organized crime in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The most painful point is the issue of youth and athletes
At the meeting, it was noted that it is very alarming that 259 young people and athletes of the "severe" category were among the organized criminal groups detained in the capital last year.
The President also noted that most athletes are entering the path of street hooligans, and cases of organizing clandestine fights for money have increased in the regions. Now, the task has been set to ensure strict control in this area. It was instructed not to "prohibit" the interest of young people in combat sports, but to create a system of vocational training and employment corresponding to their potential.
This topic was also raised in the President's Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan on December 26, 2025 - he warned that the hope of "earning money easily" leads some athletes to criminal gangs.
The conclusion is one
This time the signal is very clear: organized crime is moving beyond the "street" framework and penetrating the economy, property, and service markets. Therefore, the fight against it should not be limited to raids or a single event - it should be through system, prevention, information, and the rule of law.
The most important aspect for fans is this: sport should be a source of upbringing, discipline, and pride. Let the power in the ring or tatami work for justice in life, not for "easy money."
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
