On July 2, 2024, as a result of rapid search operations, the activities of an organized group engaged in the illegal import of cars to Thailand and their subsequent sale for commercial purposes were halted. This was reported by Upl.uz.
This operation was carried out by the customs committee employees. According to the committee's press service, the suspects illegally imported a total of 59 vehicles of various brands across the border.
It was found that individuals who assisted in the illegal import of each car were rewarded with amounts ranging from 100 to 200 US dollars. The main feature of this illegal scheme is that all vehicles were registered in Uzbekistan.
The cars were taken to the territory of a neighboring country and sold to new owners; however, this process was carried out in violation of the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan. It is assumed that there were cases of evasion of customs duties and other mandatory fees, which allowed for the sale of cars at a lower price.
Currently, law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigations. Their main task is to identify all individuals involved in this illegal operation and to determine the amount of economic damage caused to the states.
Uzbekistan's car market has been considered one of the most protected markets in the world for many years due to high import duties. This leads to high demand and prices for vehicles registered in Uzbekistan in neighboring countries, resulting in the emergence of such smuggling schemes.
