Uzbekistan Increases Penalties for Human Trafficking

Uzbekistan has tightened penalties for human trafficking by introducing new amendments to the country’s Criminal Code, the government announced.

Under the updated law, trafficking involving forged documents is now punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison, an increase from the previous maximum of 8 years. If the crime results in the death of a victim, the penalty rises to up to 15 years of imprisonment.

The Legislative Chamber approved the stricter sentencing measures in September 2024.

Earlier this year, several Uzbek nationals were rescued from forced labour in Myanmar. They had been lured with promises of high-paying jobs and free tickets to Thailand, but were instead transported to Myanmar, where they were forced to work in illegal call centers.

The victims included citizens of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and were freed with the support of Uzbek authorities.

Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Russia detained a citizen of Uzbekistan who was wanted under an Interpol notice.