The spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan, Shohrukh Giyasov, commented on the case involving a 17-year-old teenager from the Bukhara region, who was held accountable for cryptocurrency transactions.
According to Giyasov, the teenager was providing intermediary services for cryptocurrency exchange via the Binance platform, completing over 4,000 transactions totaling 34 billion sums. “In reality… this ‘talented’ individual was engaged in the activities of a typical ‘virtual currency trader’,” he stated.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs believes that the suspect's actions may be linked to the legalization of funds obtained through fraudulent means, as a significant portion of the money came from the accounts of pensioners, salary accounts, and credit accounts.
Giyasov also pointed out that cryptocurrency is often exploited by scammers, criminal groups, and terrorists due to its anonymity. He emphasized the necessity of state control over such activities.
Previously, former deputy Rasul Kusherbaev referred to the teenager as a “golden head” and expressed the opinion that he is not a criminal.
In response to the mention of an “ordinary currency trader,” journalist Nikita Makarenko reacted.
“Do you know where else currency traders can be found? Not virtual ones, but real ones? At every market in our republic, every day. Right now, hundreds of currency traders across the country are offering their services. Law enforcement officers are always present at every market. And no one ever detains or arrests them. I really liked that the Ministry of Internal Affairs used the word ‘ordinary’ in their statement. Indeed, it is a very common profession,” he concluded.