The investigation into detained journalists from Taftish.uz has been transferred to the Military Prosecutor’s Office in Uzbekistan, signaling a significant escalation in the case.

The update was shared by Abdurakhmon Tashanov, head of “Ezgulik” Human Rights Society who revealed that the probe has widened considerably, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Tashanov noted that investigators have already examined over 400 complaints filed by citizens against members of the Taftish.uz team. A special investigative group has been formed, bringing together officers from multiple regions of the country.

The case was transferred to military prosecutors after reports that several employees of Uzbekistan’s State Security Service are among those implicated. This development placed the investigation under military jurisdiction.

Journalists from Taftish.uz, including the project’s head, were detained in Tashkent in January.

Authorities allege involvement in:

Extortion

Fraud

Possible defamation

Dissemination of false information

The Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs earlier stated that the suspects had “turned extortion into a routine activity.”

Tashanov noted that many details of the investigation remain classified due to the secrecy of the proceedings. However, he suggested that officials who previously commented on the case should also clarify its more sensitive aspects.

The investigation is ongoing, with growing public attention as authorities continue to examine one of the most high-profile media-related cases in Uzbekistan this year.