Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – In Tashkent, the former head of the Migration and Citizenship Department of the Internal Affairs Department of the Yakkasaray District has been sentenced for illegally issuing ID cards and passports to foreigners, according to Kun.

The defendant, Z.A., served in law enforcement from 2006 to 2023. From 2021 to 2022, he headed the Migration and Citizenship Department of the Yunusabad District and later held a similar position in Yakkasaray District.

In collaboration with D.Sh., the head of "Donna Global" company, Z.A. issued ID cards and biometric passports to nine foreigners, receiving approximately US$15,000 in return. The criminal case against D.Sh. was terminated due to his death.

Z.A. utilized the "Passport-Visa" system, using an electronic key to create fake documents indicating that a passport belonging to another citizen was issued to the foreigner who paid the bribe. He also prepared fraudulent loss reports and ID card applications.

Additionally, Z.A. registered foreign citizens, including those from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, at permanent addresses in Tashkent without the required documents.

After his dismissal, Z.A. continued his fraudulent activities as he did not return the electronic key. 

Z.A. was found guilty of charges under Articles 209 (official forgery), 210 (bribery), 228 (production and forgery of documents, stamps, seals, forms, their sale and use), and 278-4 (modification of computer information) of the Criminal Code. The court sentenced him to seven years in prison.

One of Z.A.’s clients, a Kyrgyz citizen, received a five-year prison sentence, while the others were fined between 48 million to 124.5 million soums.