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Uzbekistan’s Shadowy State: Corruption and Criminality Entwined

In a stunning display of corruption and criminality, Uzbekistan’s government has effectively co-opted organized crime, with two alleged top criminal leaders holding positions within the state apparatus.

Corruption and Criminality: A Deeply Entrenched Issue

According to sources, law enforcement officials play a crucial role in facilitating illegal activities, often exploiting their positions to assist in crimes. The country’s borders are notoriously porous, with border control officials embroiled in corruption and criminal activity. Despite Uzbekistan’s membership in INTERPOL and its commitment to combating transnational crime, the government has made little tangible progress in addressing the issue.

A Corrupt Judicial System

Corruption is rampant throughout the judicial system, with judges merely rubber-stamping verdicts passed down by law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor general’s office. The country’s prisons are notorious for physical abuse and torture of inmates, with little transparency surrounding their operations. In 2020, the government released data on the prison system and its detainees, a small step towards increasing transparency.

A Non-Transparent Banking Sector

Uzbekistan’s banking sector operates in a non-transparent environment, lacking effective oversight and vulnerable to money laundering. The country’s economic modernization reforms have simplified business registration procedures and reduced regulatory interference, but widespread corruption and bureaucratic hurdles remain significant obstacles for legitimate businesses.

Limited Support for Victims of Organized Crime

Civil society organizations provide some assistance to victims of organized crime, but the government has been criticized for inadequate support and a lack of trust in its law enforcement agencies. Victims are often reluctant to report crimes due to fear of retaliation or intimidation by authorities.

Restrictions on Freedom of Expression

Despite small improvements under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s administration, including the freeing of imprisoned journalists and simplified media registration, freedom of expression remains severely limited in Uzbekistan. The government has been hostile towards perceived criticism from civil society organizations and human rights activists, often using surveillance, censorship, threats, and arrests to silence dissent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Uzbekistan’s state apparatus is deeply entrenched in corruption and criminality, with organized crime groups enjoying significant influence and protection. While there have been small signs of improvement under President Mirziyoyev’s administration, the country remains one of the world’s most corrupt states, with a long way to go before achieving meaningful reforms and transparency.