Uzbekistan to tighten penalties for border tunnels

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis has approved in the first reading a draft law aimed at strengthening criminal liability for violations of the state border regime, including the use of illegal underground structures and tunnels.

The document предусматривает amendments and additions to Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. The initiative is aimed at reinforcing border protection, ensuring public safety, and maintaining economic stability.

Under the draft law, penalties will be increased for the illegal movement of goods, foreign currency, precious metals, and other items across the border, as well as for evading customs controls.

The use of illegally constructed underground structures or tunnels for crossing the border will be treated as an aggravating circumstance.

The proposal also introduces stricter liability for illegal border crossings, including entry and exit carried out using such infrastructure.

In addition, a separate criminal offense is introduced for the construction, operation, and financing of tunnels intended for illegal border crossings.

Following the discussion, lawmakers approved the draft law in the first reading.