Two men sentenced to 7.5 years for running illegal lottery in Karakalpakstan

According to court documents reviewed by Kun.uz, Ibragimov and Bayramov operated their illegal lottery from 2022 until September 5, 2023, using the YouTube channel "Tortkul-95." They sold lottery tickets priced at 1,400 rubles (approximately $15) or 8,500 tenge (approximately $18) to Uzbek migrants in Russia and Kazakhstan, while tickets in Uzbekistan were sold for 200,000 UZS (approximately $18).

Each lottery event featured 6,290 tickets, with prizes that included 5-6 cars and various household appliances. Authorities apprehended Ibragimov and Bayramov during a live-streamed event on September 5, 2023, in the Shurakhon village of Tortkul. Following their arrest, they were placed under custody.

On March 20, 2024, the Shumanay District Court sentenced the defendants under Article 278, part 2 (a, b) of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the organization and conduct of gambling and lottery activities, as well as Article 243, which addresses the legalization of criminal income. Each was sentenced to 7.5 years of imprisonment.

Additionally, the court ordered that a total of 56 billion 623 million UZS (approximately $4.9 million) in funds, deemed proceeds from their criminal activity, be confiscated for state benefit.

The appellate court in Karakalpakstan upheld the initial verdict on September 30, 2024. Kun.uz had previously reported in May 2022 on the rising trend of illegal lotteries in Karakalpakstan, highlighting the activities of the "Tortkul-95" channel.