Uzbekistan Sees Massive Rise in Cybercrime Cases

Over the last five years, Uzbekistan has seen an elevenfold increase in cybercrime, with the number of recorded cases rising from 4,865 to 62,440.

Data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs show that between 2021 and 2025, financial losses incurred by citizens due to cybercrime reached UZS 3.73 trillion, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

Almost half of this total-UZS 1.89 trillion-was recorded in just the first 11 months of the current year.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Head of the Investigation Department Ramazon Ashrapov noted that authorities previously lacked adequate experience in addressing crimes in this field. He explained that this gap prompted the ministry to strengthen cooperation with foreign partners, facilitate the exchange of information and expertise, involve leading international specialists, and establish a specialized system for training personnel.

In particular, a new specialization titled “Combating crimes in the field of digital technologies” was launched at the ministry’s academy, with an additional 100 cadets admitted this year.

A digital laboratory has also been established. As part of these efforts, 483 phishing programs - considered among the most dangerous and responsible for significant financial losses by citizens through illegal withdrawals from bank accounts - were identified and blocked.

In addition, 2,424 crimes related to violations of legislation governing cryptoasset circulation were uncovered, preventing UZS 76 billion from being transferred out of the country.

Authorities also blocked 3,843 internet resources deemed to threaten public order or promote the humiliation of personal honor and dignity, along with 1,508 malicious links.