Court sentences man for trying to recruit citizens of Uzbekistan into the Russia-Ukraine war

According to court documents reviewed by Kun.uz, the man, Furqatbek Hasanov, born in 1985 and a resident of Andijan, was found guilty of conspiring with a Russian citizen named “Dmitry Robertovich” to recruit Uzbek nationals for the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. They agreed that Hasanov would receive up to $1,000 for each recruit.

In July 2024, Hasanov attempted to recruit several individuals, identified as F.N., J.I., B.J., and two others referred to as “Shakhzod” and “Shukrullo,” whose identities could not be confirmed during the investigation. He offered them promises of high earnings, Russian citizenship, and other benefits for participating on the Russian side of the conflict.

Although most people he approached rejected the offer, at least one individual, F.O., expressed interest. Hasanov bought the person a ticket to Russia, but was apprehended during a special operation at the Fergana International Airport.

In court, Hasanov fully admitted his guilt. He stated:

“In 2010, I traveled to Russia and worked at a toothpaste manufacturing plant. I became close to the factory manager, Dmitry Robertovich. In mid-December 2023, Dmitry called me via WhatsApp and mentioned that people were needed in areas of armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, either for baking bread or construction work. I told him I was banned from entering Russia but could help find other Uzbeks to send instead.

“I shared Dmitry’s offers with passengers in my taxi who were interested in working abroad. I exchanged contact numbers with some of them, telling them there were good job opportunities in Russia, no costs involved, and that the work would involve cleaning up or guarding areas affected by the conflict. I also said they would receive military uniforms, weapons, and officer ranks, and sign six-month contracts with monthly salaries of $2,500–$3,000. I added that they might even get Russian citizenship.

“Dmitry promised to pay me $400 to $1,000 for each person I sent,” Hasanov told the court.

He expressed deep remorse during the trial and claimed he hadn’t fully understood that his actions constituted a crime. He pleaded for leniency.

The Marhamat district criminal court found Furqatbek Hasanov guilty under Articles 25 and 154 (Part 2) of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan – pertaining to the recruitment, training, financing, or material support of mercenaries, and their use in military conflicts or hostilities. He was sentenced to 7 years and 1 month in prison.