Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

A press conference titled “Openness and Dialogue with the People – the Main Aspect: Analytical Report on the Activities of Internal Affairs Bodies for the First Quarter of the Year” was held at the Palace of Culture of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Strengthening cooperation with the media in the interests of the public remains a key priority for the internal affairs system. The event brought together the Ministry’s leadership, officials, and media representatives. Dedicated information areas were set up for each sector, where specialists provided detailed briefings and answered questions.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Head of the Investigation Department, Ramazon Ashropov, presented a comprehensive report on the results achieved during the first three months of 2026. It was noted that 6,211 preventable crimes were recorded nationwide, reflecting a decrease of 596 cases compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officers detected 9,544 crimes through proactive efforts, an increase of 37 percent over the first quarter of last year.

Significant progress was also reported in combating drug-related crimes. A total of 4,080 criminal cases were initiated, leading to the seizure of 872 kilograms of narcotic substances, including 33 kilograms of synthetic drugs, as well as more than 296,000 units of potent medications.

An effort to combat organized crime resulted in the detection of 670 offenses, with 80 organized criminal groups and 211 individuals apprehended. In the area of corruption and economic crimes, 1,076 cases were identified, involving damages amounting to 199.6 billion UZS, with measures underway to recover losses through legal channels.

A growing role for digital technologies in crime was also highlighted. A total of more than 18,000 offenses involving information and communication technologies were committed, of which 97 percent involved the illegal acquisition of citizens' funds via electronic payment systems.

Operational efforts led to the detention of 2,193 individuals wanted by investigative and judicial authorities, while 171 missing persons were located and safely returned to their families.

Encouragingly, no crimes were recorded in 7,309 mahallas approximately 81 percent of all mahallas nationwide. In the remaining areas, 16.6 percent were classified as "yellow" zones and 2.1 percent as "red" zones.

Road safety remains a critical concern. During the reporting period, 1,102 traffic accidents were recorded, 346 resulting in fatalities. The main causes included speeding, failure to yield to pedestrians, non-compliance with traffic signals, and driver fatigue.

The report also included the results of large-scale preventive operations. As part of the first phase of the “Safe and Healthy Country” initiative, over 43,900 operational and preventive activities were carried out. These activities uncovered thousands of cases related to drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, and other violations.

In total, nearly 490 kilograms of narcotics and about 308,000 units of potent substances were seized, along with 1,541 drug-containing plants. Additionally, 457 weapons and 6,584 rounds of ammunition were confiscated, preventing potential threats.

Public safety initiatives at the community level were also highlighted. Following best practices introduced in the Chilanzar district, additional personnel and resources were deployed to the mahallas, particularly in areas requiring increased attention.

During the first quarter, the Ministry received over 100,000 public appeals, of which 68 percent were resolved positively. At the regional level, more than 64,000 appeals were resolved in favor of citizens, while others were addressed through legal guidance.

Additionally, improvements in personnel training, discipline, and professional development were discussed at the conference. More than 25,000 employees upgraded their qualifications, and increased attention to gender equality resulted in 53 women being appointed to leadership positions in March alone.

The anti-corruption campaign within the system has shown positive results, with 60 recorded cases of officers refusing bribes and reporting them to the appropriate authorities.

It was also noted with deep respect that 10 officers lost their lives in the line of duty this year, while 39 sustained injuries while ensuring public safety.

Internal affairs personnel continue to be recognized for their dedication. Since the beginning of the year, 11 officers have received state awards, and over 25,000 employees have been honored through departmental recognition.

In the second part of the press conference, representatives of the media were invited to participate in an open dialogue. Journalists raised questions on recent incidents and systemic issues, receiving detailed explanations and clarifications. Constructive proposals were also put forward to further improve the system.

The event concluded with a shared understanding of key priorities and practical steps to be implemented moving forward, reinforcing the commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service.