Four men jailed and fined over 6 billion UZS for illegal fishing in Zarafshan River

According to court documents reviewed by Kun.uz, the incident occurred on the night of September 23, 2024. The individuals, identified as Sh.G., Z.A., M.O., and B.S., used electric rods to fish from the section of the Zarafshan River that flows through Navbahor district.

In a raid conducted by officers from the Navoiy Regional Department for Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change along with the local police, the poachers were caught red-handed. Confiscated items included two rubber boats, four car batteries, two electric fishing rods, and two electric current amplifiers.

Authorities determined that the poachers caused environmental damage amounting to 6.324 billion UZS.

On April 14, 2025, the Navbahor District Criminal Court found the four men guilty under Part 3, Clauses “g,” “e,” and “j” of Article 202 of the Criminal Code (Violation of rules for the use of fauna or flora). Each was sentenced to three years of imprisonment. The court also ruled that the full amount of damages be recovered jointly from all four defendants upon the finalization of the verdict.