News

Israeli national Simon Leviev, widely known as the ‘Tinder Swindler’, has been detained upon arrival at Batumi airport in Georgia.

Leviev, born Shimon Yehuda Hayut, rose to notoriety after being featured in the 2022 Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler, which detailed how he tricked victims through elaborate scams. Over several years, he is believed to have defrauded individuals and banks of up to one billion US dollars through a ponzi scheme. Posing as a relative of diamond magnate Lev Leviev, he also used Tinder to lure women.

Following the release of the documentary, Leviev denied wrongdoing in an interview...

Uzbekistan has secured tenth place in the global ranking of gold producers for 2024, according to figures released by the World Gold Council (WGC).

Last year, worldwide gold output reached 3,661 tonnes, up 0.5% on 2023. Of this, Uzbekistan accounted for 129 tonnes, or 3.5% of the global total.

The jewellery industry remains the leading consumer of gold. In 2024 it used 2,003.5 tonnes, down 9% year-on-year. Overall demand for gold dropped 11% to 1,877.1 tonnes, largely due to rising global prices. Despite weaker demand, spending on jewellery increased by 9%, hitting $144 bn.

China topped the list of...

The National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan has released new data on enterprises with foreign investment, showing that China, Russia and Turkey remain the leading contributors to the country’s business landscape.

As of September 1, 2025, Uzbekistan was home to 16,946 active enterprises with foreign investment, of which 4,144 were joint ventures and 12,802 were fully foreign-owned. Compared to the same period in 2024, the number of such enterprises grew by 2,384, driven mainly by expansion in trade, industry and construction.

China in first place

China continues to play the dominant role, accounting for 4,420 enterprises or 26.1% of...

From January to July 2025, International Foodchain (KFC), Mak Food Servis (Evos) and Oqtepa Food Service (Oqtepa Lavash) topped the list of food service companies paying the most taxes in Uzbekistan, according to the State Tax Committee.

In total, 20,100 catering organisations transferred 963.3 bn soums ($77.5 mln) in taxes. Of this amount, 20 companies alone accounted for 184.2 bn soums ($14.8 mln), or 19.1%. Their combined turnover reached 2.4 trln soums.

Tax contributions from the leading 20 companies were broken down as follows:

Xpeng Motors has officially launched local production in Europe with the rollout of its G6 and G9 SUV models at Magna’s facility in Graz, Austria. The announcement was made on September 15, CNC reports.

The Graz plant, run by Magna Steyr, is one of Europe’s best-known contract manufacturing facilities. It has previously assembled vehicles for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover and Toyota. Known for its flexible low- to medium-volume production, the site allows automakers without their own factories in Europe to localise manufacturing. Xpeng plans to expand output to additional models beyond the G6 and G9.

Strong European...

Back in the late 1960s, Pontiac introduced the Grand Prix SJ to meet the growing demand for personal luxury cars with real performance credentials. Fitted with a potent 428 cubic-inch V8 and offered with a four-speed manual gearbox, the model combined muscle car strength with upscale comfort. Only a few hundred were produced with a manual transmission, making it a rare machine.

In a new episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the legendary presenter climbs behind the wheel of a well-preserved example. Nicknamed the «banker’s hot rod,» the car wears its original brown paint with a vinyl roof and comes...

India, Iran and Uzbekistan have held their first trilateral dialogue at the level of foreign ministries, agreeing to create a mechanism to strengthen cooperation in tackling extremism and terrorism while also facilitating Uzbekistan’s access to Chabahar Port for trade with India.

The meeting, which took place in Tehran on September 9, highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation in connectivity and logistics, making greater use of strategic ports and advancing the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC), an official confirmed.

Participants reviewed progress on decisions adopted at the third session of the Chabahar Working Group, held in Mumbai in November 2024. They...

The 2025 Emmy Awards celebrated a diverse mix of television, with major prizes shared across drama, comedy and limited series. See the full list of winners including The Pitt for best drama, The Studio for best comedy and Adolescence for best limited series.

Winners List:

The Igor Savitsky Museum in Nukus continues to rank among Uzbekistan’s most prominent tourist destinations, drawing more than 100,000 international visitors every year, according to Bayram Kusekeyev, deputy head of the Karakalpakstan Tourism Department, speaking to Kursiv Uzbekistan.

«This museum is attractive because it receives visitors throughout the year. While most landmarks open their season from spring to autumn, guests come to our gallery regardless of the time of year,» Kusekeyev noted.

The museum currently holds around 100,000 items. Its collection includes Russian avant-garde masterpieces, works from the Soviet period and artefacts reflecting the traditions...

Japanese star Naoya Inoue has successfully defended his status as the undisputed world champion in the bantamweight division (55.22 kg), defeating Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev, Championat reports.

After 12 rounds, all three judges scored the contest heavily in favour of the home fighter — 118:110, 117:111, 118:110.

Inoue controlled the bout almost from start to finish. Akhmadaliev looked for openings and tried to land a knockout punch, but the Japanese champion proved too quick. In the closing seconds, the Uzbek managed to land a heavy shot, yet it was not enough to alter the outcome.

This marked Inoue’s sixth defence...

The World Boxing Championships in Liverpool have concluded, marking one of the most successful chapters in the history of Uzbek sport. In the final session, the national team added two more golds and two silvers to their tally.

Abdumalik Khalokov (-60 kg) became world champion after a commanding 5:0 win over Brazil’s Luis Oliveira.

In the women’s -65 kg category, Navbakhor Khamidova earned silver, losing 0:3 in the final to Kazakhstan’s Aida Abikeeva.

Akmaljon Isroilov (-85 kg) claimed another gold for Uzbekistan with a decisive 5:0 victory against home favourite Teagan Stott.

In the +90 kg division, Jahongir Zokirov

Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 victory over rivals Manchester United at the Etihad in the fourth round of the Premier League. Erling Haaland was the star of the show with a second-half brace, while Abdukodir Khusanov delivered a composed performance across the full 90 minutes.

Recently back from injury, Khusanov was assured on his flank, cutting out several dangerous crosses and preventing United from creating clear chances against Gianluigi Donnarumma. His decisive tackle on Dorgu drew applause from the stands, underlining his importance to City’s defensive line.

Phil Foden opened the scoring in the first half with a...

Up to 150,000 people joined a march in central London on Saturday, organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. A counter-demonstration against racism was also held in another part of the city.

The march, under the slogan Unite the Kingdom, moved through Whitehall, the area housing key UK government institutions. Speakers included US political figure Steve Bannon and entrepreneur Elon Musk, who addressed the crowd via video link.

At the same time, around 5,000 people took part in the March Against Fascism. The event was organised by the group Stand Up To Racism.

London police reported that the day began largely peacefully...

Clemson University has suspended a faculty member after social media posts made following the death of political commentator Charlie Kirk.

The suspension was announced after South Carolina officials and students raised concerns over the professor’s remarks. They argued that the comments were inappropriate in the context of Kirk’s assassination.

State Attorney General Alan Wilson called the remarks «vile» and said they appeared to celebrate and justify the killing. He urged the university to take disciplinary measures.

Clemson confirmed the suspension in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. The university said an internal investigation into the incident has begun.

The...

Jay Wynne, a former BBC Weather presenter, has died aged 56 after a long illness. His family confirmed the news on September 12.

His brother, Matthew Wynne, paid tribute to him, highlighting his clarity in explaining complex forecasts. He also described him as generous, wise, and remembered for his dry sense of humour.

Wynne joined the BBC in 2000 and became a regular forecaster on BBC News at Ten. He studied Environmental Geography at the University of Aberdeen and later earned a master’s in Applied Meteorology from the University of Reading.

Before his broadcasting career, he worked in civil...

American boxer Terence Crawford defeated Mexico’s Saul «Canelo» Alvarez to become the undisputed super middleweight champion. The fight lasted 12 rounds and ended with a unanimous decision.

Fight Progress

From the start, Crawford adopted a long-range tactical plan. He moved around the ring, using jabs and precise counterpunches. Canelo tried to apply pressure, advancing and targeting the body, but repeatedly ran into Crawford’s defence and counters.

In the middle rounds, the American increased his activity and took control of the fight. Canelo responded with combinations, but his accuracy remained low. Crawford maintained control and did not allow Alvarez to...

A new platform has been created to develop cooperation between Uzbekistan and Mongolia in culture, education, science, and agriculture. The society will also promote youth exchange and highlight the two nations’ historical heritage.

The inaugural meeting took place in Tashkent with the participation of government officials, experts, and representatives of organisations working with compatriots abroad.

Delegates reviewed the main goals of the society and discussed joint projects in research, training, and cultural programmes. Practical steps for agricultural collaboration were also considered.

The meeting stressed the importance of expanding humanitarian contacts and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Bahrom Norkobilov, head of the...

Citizens of Kazakhstan and several other states will no longer have to confirm knowledge of the Russian language when applying for Russia’s state resettlement programme. The change follows an amendment signed by President Vladimir Putin.

The exemption applies to former nationals of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine. Applicants from these countries will not need to submit education certificates or undergo interviews to prove language skills.

Russia introduced the resettlement programme in 2006 to assist compatriots living abroad after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The initiative provides simplified conditions for relocation and citizenship.

In 2022, authorities proposed stricter...

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), which operates Hong Kong International Airport, has signed cooperation agreements with aviation partners in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The memorandums of understanding cover Shymkent Airport in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Airports, which oversees 11 international and eight domestic airports across the country.

The documents were concluded within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, intended to boost connectivity in transport and trade between Hong Kong and emerging markets, including Central Asia.

While Hong Kong is currently linked by cargo flights to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, there are no direct passenger routes. The agreements are expected to...

Uzbek citizens and resident companies will be able to lease farmland for 30 years. Enterprises with foreign participation will be eligible for leases of up to 25 years.

On September 12, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree aimed at improving land use efficiency and ensuring continuity in agricultural production.

Regional and city authorities have been instructed to register all unused land plots under their control and prepare them for redistribution. The decree also introduces measures to promote the secondary lease of farmland.

Under the new rules, tenants can transfer rights and obligations for part of their leased land to...

Fazliddin Erkinboev has taken gold at the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. He competed in the 75 kg weight class and overcame Bulgarian boxer Kivan Ramini in the deciding match.

The final ended with a unanimous score of 5:0. Erkinboev dictated the rhythm of the fight, showing greater speed and accuracy against his opponent.

The Liverpool event ran from 4 to 14 September and was organised under the World Boxing federation. The tournament gathered over 500 boxers representing 60 nations.

Erkinboev progressed through all stages without defeat. In the final he kept the initiative from the first round, limiting...

Real Betis have introduced a clothing range with new signing Antony to help cover the cost of his £21.6 mln transfer from Manchester United.

The Brazilian winger impressed during his loan spell with the club last season, convincing Betis that he was a perfect fit. However, negotiations with United stalled over a £5 mln difference in valuation, forcing Betis to seek alternative ways to raise the money.

Fashion Meets Football

The new fashion line is based on Antony’s neck tattoo, «Iluminado» — meaning «enlightened» in English. Betis chief executive Ramon Alarcón explained that the club would earn royalties through...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has reviewed the results of reforms and development plans for Khorezm region, according to the presidential press service.

Over $2 bn of investment has been channelled into the region, leading to the creation of 25,000 industrial enterprises in food, textiles, automotive and electrical engineering. Industrial output has risen 2.2 times compared with 2017.

The opening of a combined road and rail bridge across the Amu Darya in February 2024 has improved transport links for residents. Since then, 660 apartment blocks have been built, 4,751 km of water pipelines laid and 206 km of sewerage systems...

On September 12, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, met with a delegation from Korea District Heating Corporation (KDHC) headed by Chairman Jeon Young Gi.

Talks centred on three main areas: the modernisation of Zarafshan’s district heating system, construction of a bioenergy complex in the Jizzakh region, and advanced energy solutions within the framework of the «New Tashkent» project. The sides also reviewed public-private partnership mechanisms and financing options suitable for all parties.

Both Uzbekistan and KDHC confirmed their interest in expanding cooperation and agreed to continue developing the initiatives in detail. The projects aim to...