Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Prosecutor General’s Office of Uzbekistan has launched a criminal investigation into the illegal replanting of trees from the territory of the former building National Security Service in Tashkent.

At the end of May, the Muna Mug moved tree plantations from the mentioned territory to Tashkent region.

It is reported that the Metropol Group, which is engaged in the construction of the Radisson hotel complex on the site of the former National Security Service building, requested permission to cut down trees in January. However, she was refused.

The legislation of Uzbekistan has a procedure for relocating trees, but there is no established procedure for obtaining permission for such actions. Muna Mug did not have permission to replant the trees.

According to information from the Prosecutor General’s Office, the company transplanted 53 healthy tree specimens of valuable species (oak, pine, ailanthus and others) without the appropriate permit. Thus, Muna Mug violated the established procedure for relocating trees.

The Prosecutor General’s Office opened a criminal case against the company’s managers.

In June 2021, Metropol Group, which includes the son of former Foreign Minister Daniyar Kamilov, acquired the former building of the National Security Service for 210 billion soums. In March 2023, Metropol Group entered into an agreement with Radisson Hotel Group to launch the premium Radisson Collection Hotel Tashkent. The total cost of the project is estimated at US$100 million.