Law enforcement authorities in Uzbekistan's Bukhara Region have detained a native of Andijan on suspicion of large-scale illegal cryptocurrency trading.

Between April 20 and September 30, 2025, the suspect carried out around 2,400 transactions on the Binance and Bitget platforms without the required license. The total volume of cryptoasset transactions-including receipt, transfer, and exchange-amounted to 1,373,824 USDT, exceeding 18 billion Uzbek soums, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Investigators identified two main channels used to move the funds. About 1 billion soums passed through bank cards belonging to intermediaries in an effort to conceal the transactions, while another 757 million soums was transferred to accounts controlled directly by the suspect. Ultimately, all funds were withdrawn to external crypto wallets and converted into digital assets.

During a search, officers seized the suspect’s mobile phone, which contained around 15 email addresses. A review of the Binance application confirmed that trading operations were conducted through an account registered in the suspect’s name.

Authorities noted that the individual had previously been convicted in August 2025 for illegal cryptocurrency operations totaling 26 billion soums. At that time, the court imposed a sentence of restricted freedom after the defendant admitted guilt. However, investigators believe he continued illegal crypto activities even while the earlier case was still under judicial review.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 278.8, Part 3(a) of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code-violation of legislation on cryptoasset circulation on an especially large scale. Investigative actions are ongoing.