Two Uzbek citizens who were internationally wanted over alleged criminal offences have been detained in Istanbul.

One of the detainees, identified as F.F.N., had been internationally wanted since 2017 under Part 3 of Article 164 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code on robbery charges. His international search had consequently lasted for nearly nine years, The Caspian Post reports, citing UzDaily.

The second detainee, A.M.A., was wanted internationally under Part 3 of Article 168 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code on fraud charges.

After their detention, both individuals were transferred to the competent authorities of Uzbekistan in line with established procedures.

Investigative and procedural measures concerning the two detainees are continuing.

The detentions were carried out through cooperation between the law enforcement agencies of Uzbekistan and Türkiye as part of efforts to identify internationally wanted individuals and combat crime.