According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a 37-year-old suspect, who has a criminal record for hooliganism, acted in collusion with his wife. The couple used social media to spread videos claiming that children needed donor organs to attract potential donors and clients. In the footage provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a Telegram group called "Need a donor (sic) kidney" can be seen, where more than 100 participants discussed their financial difficulties and their willingness to sell their organs.
Investigative authorities found that the man, who himself had undergone a kidney transplant, was taking people to the "Istiklol" clinic in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) for surgeries. During the investigation, individuals who assisted the suspects were also identified, including a social media administrator.
A criminal case has been initiated against the detainees under part 2 of Article 133-1 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, which pertains to the sale and purchase of human organs and tissues committed by a group of individuals in collusion and by a dangerous recidivist. The penalty for this article provides for imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs also reminded that in September 2025, the activities of a group of 12 people engaged in illegal organ transplantation were stopped, which sent donors abroad under the pretext of family ties. Over two years, they organized 32 surgeries.
According to the legislation of Uzbekistan adopted in 2022, the sale and export of transplantable organs and tissues is prohibited. Surgeries can only be performed in state medical institutions, although the possibility of allowing private clinics to operate is currently being considered. That same year, criminal liability was introduced for coercing citizens into consenting to the removal of organs or tissues for transplantation and for other crimes in this area.
