In Navoi region, a prompt operation conducted by the State Security Service and the Department of Internal Affairs put a stop to the activities of a clandestine workshop engaged in illegal gold mining and processing.
It was established that a citizen born in 1988, residing in Pakhtachi district of Samarkand region, led this group. He rented a poultry farm building in Karmana district of Navoi region and organized a secret workshop there.
During the rapid operation, 200 kg of semi-processed gold, 200 sacks of sand and stones containing gold material, 300 kg of chemical reagents, specialized laboratory equipment, 8 gas cylinders, a special mill, and other equipment were seized as material evidence.
According to preliminary estimates, the damage caused to state interests and the environment exceeds 7 billion soums.
In a second case, it was discovered that illegal gold mining was organized in the territory of the "Sarmishsoy" state museum-reserve in Navbahor district on the basis of a forged permit. There, precious ores, semi-processed gold, machinery, and tools were also confiscated.
Criminal cases have been initiated for both cases, and investigative actions are being carried out.
