Uzbekistan’s Challenges: A Report on Organized Crime, Corruption, and Governance

Key Findings

The report provides an in-depth analysis of Uzbekistan’s situation regarding organized crime, corruption, governance, law enforcement, judicial system, border control, economic environment, civil society, and social protection.

Corruption and State Involvement in Organized Crime

Corruption is rampant: Corruption permeates all levels of government, law enforcement, and the judiciary.
State involvement in organized crime: The state has effectively co-opted organized criminal activity, with two alleged top criminal leaders holding government positions.

Limited Liberalization and Ineffective Judiciary

Limited liberalization: Since 2016, there have been small signs of limited liberalization of the ruling regime, but these changes are piecemeal and do not address the underlying issues.
Ineffective judiciary: The judiciary is not independent, with judges rubber-stamping verdicts passed down by law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor general’s office.

Corruption in Law Enforcement

Corruption in law enforcement: Corruption is rife throughout all levels of law enforcement, with police frequently extorting bribes and intimidating whistle-blowers.

Recommendations

To address the challenges facing Uzbekistan, the following recommendations are proposed:

Strengthening the Judiciary

Implement measures to ensure the independence of the judiciary, including training judges on human rights and the rule of law.

Combating Corruption

Launch a comprehensive anti-corruption campaign, involving all levels of government, law enforcement, and the judiciary.

Reforming Law Enforcement

Reform the police force to prioritize transparency, accountability, and community trust.

Strengthening Border Control

Improve border management, including increasing transparency and cooperation with neighboring countries.

Conclusion

The report highlights the significant challenges facing Uzbekistan in addressing organized crime, corruption, and governance issues. Addressing these problems will require a concerted effort from the government, civil society, and international partners to strengthen institutions, promote transparency, and ensure accountability.