In a significant crackdown in Uzbekistan, two senior officials—Doniyor Tashkhodjaev, the first deputy director of Tashkent‘s Guvd services, and Shukrat Rasulov, former head of the presidential security administration—were arrested. The arrests are part of a broader investigation into corruption and organized crime involving several other figures who have been detained or forced to resign.
The detained officials are accused of grave offenses linked to high-profile cases, including that of prominent blogger Abdukodir Muminov, an outspoken critic of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s policies. Muminov, whose YouTube channel Ko’zgu amassed 247,000 followers, was known for his bold anti-presidential commentary. Tragically, he was assaulted in December 2022 and later arrested on charges of fraud and embezzlement. In August 2023, he received a seven-year prison sentence, a move his supporters claim was politically motivated.
Muminov’s mother, Sabokhat Abdullaeva, alleged that her son endured torture in prison to extract false confessions. She accused Tashkhodjaev of physical abuse, including kicking Muminov in the ribs until he lost consciousness. These allegations tie Tashkhodjaev to broader corruption, including covering up crimes committed by businessman Javlon Yunusov. Yunusov is accused of orchestrating the attempted assassination of former presidential administration collaborator Komil Allamzhonov in October.
Tashkhodjaev’s recent actions, including the operation 40 Days of Redemption targeting street gangs, have come under scrutiny. Investigators suggest his moves were aimed at favoring another criminal network led by Ravshan Mukhiddinov, nicknamed ‘Ravshan the Golden Man,’ a figure deeply entrenched in Uzbekistan’s mafia history.
Meanwhile, Rasulov, reportedly close to the president’s brother-in-law, Otabek Umarov, was also detained. He is suspected of involvement in the attack on Allamzhonov and other high-level conspiracies. The arrests reveal deep fractures within Uzbekistan’s power structures, with media reports hinting at a “war of mafias” influencing the nation’s politics.
The situation has raised questions about the fate of those arrested and the role of security forces in perpetuating corruption. While official statements remain scarce, leaked documents suggest a “plan of decisive actions” is underway, signaling more revelations in Uzbekistan’s ongoing battle against entrenched criminal networks.
