A series of cases involving illegal gold mining have been halted in the Navoi region. Several criminal schemes were uncovered as a result of joint operations conducted by the Department under the Prosecutor General's Office and law enforcement agencies.
Specifically, during a special operation in the Tomdi district, a citizen identified as O.I. and other individuals were apprehended while illegally extracting 5,200 kg of mineral-rich rocks in the "Bessopan" industrial zone, which contained 315.1 grams of gold with a total estimated value of nearly 569.8 million soums. These items were confiscated as evidence.
At the same time, an operation in the Konimex district revealed that citizens T.T. and T.G. had colluded to extract precious metals from sand and rocks using specialized equipment in the "Karakata" neighborhood, employing illegal gold-prospecting methods.
Similar incidents were also recorded in the Xatirchi district. It was discovered that a citizen, U.R., had been engaged in extracting gold from sand and rocks at his residence; 160 kg of sand and rock containing gold particles were seized as evidence. Likewise, it was found that a citizen named S.X. had been conducting similar illegal activities at his home in the "Zarafshon" neighborhood, from which 300 kg of gold-bearing sand and rock were confiscated.
Experts note that such cases demonstrate the serious scale of illegal exploitation of natural resources and pose both economic and environmental risks.
Criminal cases have been initiated regarding all incidents under Article 196-2 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the unauthorized extraction of mineral resources using gold-prospecting methods. Investigative and legal proceedings are currently underway.
In an environment where the rule of law is being upheld, efforts to combat such illegal activities are expected to be further intensified.
