The Tashkent city Department of Internal Affairs provided information on the fight against illegal activities in the city. This was reported by Upl.uz.
According to the published report, in the first six months of 2025, law enforcement agencies identified 1,880 individuals, for whom persistent begging has become a primary source of income, turning into a "professional" activity. Despite the systematic efforts of law enforcement agencies, this issue remains urgent in major public places in Tashkent.
Begging continues in market areas, congested transport spots, and other places where people gather. Their methods often exceed the limits of simple asking.
Various tricks to demand money, including mimicking illness or emergencies, have been recorded. Some individuals exhibit disturbing and aggressive behavior towards passersby, particularly targeting women and girls, which leads to conflict situations.
The scale of the problem is clearly demonstrated by the results of rapid preventive measures conducted in June of this year. During this period, approximately 300 individuals engaged in begging were identified.
As a result of inspections, various legal and social measures were implemented. 70 individuals were administratively detained, which is the highest measure according to the relevant article.
Another 47 offenders were fined. Official court warnings were issued to 68 individuals to prevent such activities in the future.
Special attention is given to minors. 44 children were directed to special centers for social and legal assistance, and the circumstances that led them to the streets are being investigated.
Additionally, 15 individuals without identification documents were sent to rehabilitation centers. In two cases, criminal cases were initiated for acts with signs of a crime.
Investigations are ongoing for the remaining individuals. The Department of Internal Affairs reminds about the legal consequences of this activity.
Begging is regulated as an administrative offense under Article 188-3 of the Administrative Responsibility Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The most common penalty under this article is a fine equal to three base calculation values (currently 1.1 million soums) or administrative detention for up to 15 days.
The legislation prescribes harsher penalties for those who involve vulnerable categories of citizens in begging, particularly minors, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities and mental disorders. Additionally, the fine for those who force a person to beg by compelling them to consume alcohol or drugs can reach 10 base calculation values (3.7 million soums), as well as administrative detention for up to 15 days.
If an administrative penalty is imposed and the offense is repeated within a year, or if it is committed by a repeat offender or members of an organized group, criminal liability arises. Article 127-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan provides for a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment for such crimes.
The issue of begging often has a dual nature. On one hand, it is related to the activities of organized criminal groups, with cases of exploitation of individuals.
On the other hand, it is an indicator of social problems, including poverty, lack of identification documents, family disintegration, and insufficient social services. Therefore, the
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