Tashkent ( WNAM MONITORING):President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation outlining proposals to enhance the country’s system for combating cybercrime and organized crime, as well as to improve the prevention of offenses committed using information technologies.
The presentation noted that access to information and digital services in Uzbekistan is rapidly expanding. Internet users in the country have already exceeded 31 million, with approximately 14 million actively using social media platforms.
At the same time, cybercrime incidents are increasing. Over the past six years, the number of reports related to cyber offenses has grown 48-fold. In 2025, 82% of all fraud cases and 76% of thefts involved information technology. The total material damage to individuals and legal entities exceeded 2 trillion Uzbek soms.
The need to strengthen national legislation and increase liability for IT-related crimes was emphasized. Proposals include harsher penalties for cybercrimes and financial pyramid schemes, which have affected many citizens.
Special attention was given to enhancing individual accountability for the use of electronic payment instruments and communication services registered in a person’s name. Administrative and criminal liability is proposed for cases where citizens’ electronic payment tools, crypto wallets, SIM cards, or accounts are used to commit cybercrimes.
The presentation also highlighted that cyberattacks on critical information infrastructure have become a global threat. Legal entities are encouraged to strengthen their information systems and prioritize cybersecurity measures. Administrative liability is proposed for organizations failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements, regardless of whether their violations caused direct consequences.
The banking sector, which provides remote financial services, received particular attention. Financial institutions are expected to continually improve protection systems to prevent fraud. In recent years, vulnerabilities in the systems of three banks caused financial losses to 3,025 clients, totaling 17 billion soms.
It was proposed to legally establish the responsibility of commercial banks, payment system operators, and payment service providers for damages resulting from cybercrimes caused by non-compliance with information security standards.
The presentation also addressed organized crime, noting that criminal methods and forms are evolving and that current penalties are sometimes insufficient to deter hooliganism committed by organized groups openly defying social norms and authorities.
The illegal organization of combat and mixed martial arts competitions, which increasingly involve youth, was highlighted. Currently, the law does not provide liability for such activities. Proposed legislation would establish criminal responsibility for creating criminal groups for committing serious or especially serious crimes, financing them, and assisting in concealing offenses. It also introduces liability for illegally organizing combat sports competitions and administrative penalties for participation.
Draft laws were presented to strengthen measures against IT-related offenses and improve criminal law mechanisms to combat organized crime. President Mirziyoyev approved the proposals and gave the relevant agencies corresponding instructions.
