The arrest occurred as a result of an investigation, during which it was revealed that a 37-year-old man with a criminal past was acting together with his wife. The couple used social media to post videos featuring children in need of donor organs in an attempt to attract potential clients and donors. The Ministry of Internal Affairs discovered a Telegram group titled "Need a donor (sic) kidney," where more than 100 participants discussed their financial difficulties and willingness to sell their organs.
The investigation established that the suspect, who had undergone a kidney transplant himself, was transporting people for operations to the "Istiklol" clinic in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. His accomplices were also identified, including a social media administrator who assisted in this activity.
A criminal case has been initiated under part 2 of Article 133-1 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, which pertains to the sale of human organs and tissues if these actions are committed repeatedly or by a group of individuals in collusion. This is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years. The suspects are currently in custody.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that in September 2025, the activities of a group of 12 people engaged in illegal organ transplantation were already suppressed. They sent donors to private clinics abroad under the pretext of familial ties and organized 32 operations over two years.
According to the law adopted in 2022 in Uzbekistan, the sale and export of organs and tissues for transplantation is prohibited. Operations can only be performed in state medical institutions, although there is currently discussion about allowing private clinics to operate. 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.
