Uzbekistan reports growing number of criminal cases on mercenary activity

According to the State Security Service (SSS), 338 criminal cases have been opened in Uzbekistan since 2022 concerning citizens’ involvement in military operations abroad.

The SSS documentary “Uzoqdan izlanuvchi baxt” (“Happiness sought from afar”) reports the following number of criminal cases initiated under Article 154 (Mercenary activity) of the Criminal Code:

• 19 cases in 2022
• 68 cases in 2023
• 112 cases in 2024
• 139 cases in 2025

“The continued rise in these figures requires us to be even more vigilant. We urge our citizens not to believe misleading promises or propaganda that may turn them into participants in armed conflicts occurring in different parts of the world for the benefit of various individuals or groups. We ask everyone to follow the law and avoid falling for such schemes,” said investigator Bekzod Qobulov of the SSS Investigation Department.

The documentary features testimonies of Uzbek citizens who took part in the Russia–Ukraine war and in military operations in Syria.

“Some individuals, motivated by financial gain, have been luring acquaintances and other citizens from our country into conflict zones abroad through deception. There are even those who have tried to amass wealth at the expense of their compatriots’ blood,” the film states.

For reference, under Article 154 of the Criminal Code, an Uzbek citizen who is recruited to participate in armed conflicts on the territory of another state may be sentenced to five to ten years of imprisonment.