Law enforcement officers in Tashkent have detained a husband and wife suspected of engaging in the illegal trade of human organs and tissues, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) press service reported.

The operation was carried out by officers of the MIA’s Rapid Investigation Department in cooperation with the State Security Service.

According to investigators, the male suspect (born in 1989), who was previously convicted under Part 2 of Article 277 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, conspired with his spouse to execute the scheme. Seeking quick profits, the couple produced videos designed to elicit sympathy and posted them across various social media platforms.

Operational measures revealed that the man had been regularly involved in the illegal sale of human organs and tissues through social networks. He allegedly transported clients to the Istiqlol clinic in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for surgical procedures.

Investigators also established that the suspect had undergone a kidney transplant himself and was assisted in his activities by several individuals. Among them was the operator of the Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube channels, who provided active support.

A criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 133 - 1 of the Criminal Code (illegal trade in human organs and tissues). The suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention.