The suspects, reportedly of Chechen origin, are accused of conspiring to carry out the attacks, with allegations that they were promised $1.5 million for the assassinations. Uzbekistan’s law enforcement agencies confirmed the charges against Rasaev and Temirkhanov under multiple articles of the Criminal Code, including failure to report or conceal a crime (Article 241), smuggling (Article 246), and the illegal handling of firearms and explosives (Article 248).
The attack on Allamjonov
The case gained attention on October 26, when Komil Allamjonov was ambushed near his residence in Qibray. Shots were fired at the car he was in, but Allamjonov emerged unharmed.
Subsequent investigations led to the detention of seven individuals connected to the case, including Javlon Yunusov, who was extradited from South Korea, and another suspect apprehended in Kazakhstan. Uzbekistan's Prosecutor General's Office last issued a statement on the case on November 25.
The incident also prompted internal investigations within the State Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, resulting in the dismissal of several high-ranking officials, including the SSS Chairman Abdusalom Azizov.
Dmitry Li as a target
New revelations indicate that Dmitry Li, Director of the National Agency for Perspective Projects, was also targeted. Li has held his position since 2019, overseeing key regulatory areas such as cryptocurrency, capital markets, insurance, e-commerce, and gaming industries.
Background of the case
The assassination attempts and subsequent arrests have sparked international attention. Reports alleging a "Chechen connection" to the attacks were previously denied by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
The investigations continue as Uzbekistan seeks to bring all suspects to justice.