President: It is necessary to eradicate the root of crime!

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the main focus in the fight against drug-related crime and organized criminal groups should be on the sources of drug distribution and their financial sponsors. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

He specifically noted that the problem cannot be solved merely by arresting the perpetrators; it is necessary to reach the top of the criminal chain. The head of state criticized the responsible agencies for not showing sufficient determination on the issue.

According to official data, the number of drug-related crimes in the capital has exceeded 4,000. Additionally, it was found that more than 1,300 crimes were committed by 112 organized criminal groups.

These figures demonstrate how serious the problem is. The most alarming aspect is that some individuals who committed crimes are released before serving even half of their sentences.

As a result, cases of reoffending have increased by 125 percent over the past three years. This indicates that the weakening of the principle of inevitability of punishment is turning crime into a habit.

After the Presidential Administration paid direct attention to the matter, certain achievements have been made. In the last three months, 50 major drug groups have been apprehended across the country, and half a ton of narcotics have been removed from circulation.

However, the head of state also addressed other dangerous forms of crime. In particular, it was noted that some of our citizens abroad have formed organized groups engaging in extortion, violence, and other illegal activities against compatriots.

These incidents also negatively affect Uzbekistan's international reputation. According to data, last year 3,700 citizens who found themselves in difficult conditions abroad were repatriated.

Furthermore, 192 citizens became victims of human trafficking. The activities of individuals who went abroad, formed illegal groups, and plundered their compatriots were criticized.

At the same time, it was emphasized that organized criminal groups are now operating under the "business disguise," being active in sectors ranging from multi-story buildings to financial pyramids. In particular, it was noted that over 3,000 citizens suffered losses amounting to 1.3 trillion soums in the matter of apartment sales.

Such frauds negatively impact the lives of thousands of families. The president criticized the insufficient attention given to raising public legal awareness in the fight against fraud.

According to him, to protect people from fraud, they need to be taught how to avoid deceptions in real life. Preventive measures should be implemented not only through propaganda but also by exposing dangerous schemes.

In conclusion, rapid achievements are important in the fight against crime, but sustainable results cannot be achieved without eradicating the root of the problem. It is essential to expose the sources, financial chains, and fake businesses that conceal illegal activities.

For this reason, the head of state stressed the need to strengthen determination, promptness, and systematic measures. Source: zamin.uz.