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Vagit Ismailov

Journalist

Vagit Ismailov is a Kazakhstani journalist. He has worked in leading regional and national publications.

Articles

Finance Legislation Crime Cryptocurrency Court Cases Digital Technologies

Uzbek Teenager Illegally Earned Over $2.5 Million Through Cryptocurrency

A 17-year-old boy has been detained in the Zhondor district of Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region for allegedly conducting illegal cryptocurrency transactions. Authorities claim the teenager engaged in the acquisition, transfer, and exchange of crypto-assets without obtaining the required licenses. Over the course of his activities, he reportedly amassed approximately 34 billion UZS (around $2.6 million). Law enforcement officials have filed a criminal case against the teenager under Article 278-8, Part 3, of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. This article addresses violations of laws regulating cryptocurrency transactions. Authorities have seized all of the funds the teenager earned through his alleged activities. A preliminary investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the violations and uncover any additional details surrounding the case. Cryptocurrency transactions in Uzbekistan are tightly regulated, with severe penalties for non-compliance. Under the law: Purchasing, selling, or exchanging crypto-assets without a license is punishable by administrative arrest of up to 15 days or a fine of 20–30 Basic Calculation Units (BCUs). Confiscation of both crypto-assets and associated funds is also mandatory. If an individual continues illegal activities after receiving an administrative penalty, they may face criminal charges, including imprisonment of up to 5 years. Unauthorized cryptocurrency mining can result in administrative arrest of up to 5 days or fines ranging from 20 to 30 BCUs. For reference, one BCU currently equates to 330,000 UZS (about $25). To conduct cryptocurrency operations legally in Uzbekistan, individuals and businesses must use licensed service providers. Licensed entities ensure compliance with the country’s strict regulatory framework, minimizing risks for participants in the crypto market.

1 week ago

Trade WTO World Bank International Cooperation Economic Reforms IMF

Uzbekistan Aims to Join WTO by 2026

Uzbekistan is intensifying efforts to finalize its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), aiming for completion by 2026. At the ninth meeting of the Working Group on Accession, held December 5-6, a delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev reaffirmed the country’s commitment to this timeline. WTO members expressed support for Uzbekistan’s high-level political engagement, and encouraged continued alignment of its trade regime with international standards. Khodjayev emphasized that WTO accession is not merely a technical procedure but a critical driver of internal reforms. “This goal demonstrates the inevitability of Uzbekistan's integration into the global trading system. In 2025, efforts will focus on completing negotiations and harmonizing legislation with WTO norms,” Khodjayev stated. The Uzbek delegation included Azizbek Urunov, the president's special representative on WTO issues, Deputy Economy Minister Ahadbek Khaidarov, and representatives from various agencies. Some officials joined the discussions virtually from Tashkent. Chief Negotiator Azizbek Urunov reported that Uzbekistan has concluded bilateral negotiations with nine additional WTO members, bringing the total to 22. This milestone underscores significant progress in the accession process. WTO Deputy Director General Xiangchen Zhang commended Uzbekistan for its ambitious reforms, including Presidential Decree DP-85, which aims to align national legislation with WTO norms. These efforts align with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s strategy to accelerate economic modernization. Chairman of the Working Group, Ambassador Yoon Seong-Dok of South Korea, also noted substantial progress at both bilateral and multilateral levels. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s productive cooperation with international organizations such as the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. The Working Group reviewed Uzbekistan’s draft report outlining commitments as a prospective WTO member and examined recent legislative changes. Since May 2024, Uzbekistan has enacted 192 legal acts to comply with WTO standards. Ambassador Yoon stressed the importance of sustained efforts in 2025 to meet the next milestones. “The coming seven to eight months will be crucial to achieve the goal of completing the process by 2026,” he said. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Uzbekistan has secured China's agreement for its WTO accession. Joining the organization is a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s broader economic reforms aimed at integrating the nation into the global trading system.

1 week ago

Education Human rights Regulation Local politics Schools internal affairs

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

Authorities in Turkmenistan have imposed strict measures preventing students and schoolchildren from celebrating New Year’s Eve, requiring them to sign written pledges to abstain from festivities. Students are prohibited from hosting or attending parties at home or in cafes and are barred from being outdoors during the celebration. “Students have been forced to write forms stating they will not celebrate New Year’s Eve and will return to their dormitories after attending official events,” a source revealed. Violations of the ban are met with threats of expulsion. According to reports, older students in previous years were expelled for secretly hosting parties, serving as a warning to others. Similar restrictions are being enforced in schools across Ashgabat, where festive parties have been banned following an order from the Ministry of Education. Teachers have been instructed to ensure compliance with these regulations. Paradoxically, official state media in Turkmenistan are showcasing large-scale New Year preparations, including the lighting of the “Main Christmas Tree of the Country” on December 14. Despite the visible holiday decorations, New Year celebrations remain tightly controlled. Last year, schools and kindergartens canceled New Year events, and state institutions were prohibited from installing Christmas trees. Local analysts attribute these stringent measures to the conservative policies of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Unlike his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was known for extravagant celebrations and even personal performances at New Year’s events, Serdar has opted for a more restrained and controlled approach. The restrictions reflect the growing emphasis on regulation and conformity under Turkmenistan’s current leadership, casting a shadow over what was once a more festive and unifying holiday.

1 week ago

Foreign Affairs Foreign Policy US Embassy Ambassador Diplomacy

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum Resigns

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum has announced his resignation, effective January 20, 2025. His departure coincides with similar resignations by U.S. Ambassadors Philip Goldberg in South Korea and Mark Libby in Azerbaijan, all stepping down from diplomatic service. The timing of these resignations has sparked speculation, as it aligns with the start of a new presidential term for Donald Trump. End of a Distinguished Career Rosenblum informed the Kazakh government of his decision on November 26, concluding a nearly 28-year career with the U.S. State Department. He has served as Chief of Mission in Kazakhstan since November 2022, representing the United States through five presidential administrations and eight secretaries of state. “It has been a tremendous honor to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan. I have developed a deep respect for the country’s culture, traditions, and people,” Rosenblum said. Under his tenure, bilateral relations flourished, with progress in trade, investment, cultural exchange, university partnerships, and security cooperation. Rosenblum also emphasized his admiration for Kazakhstan’s family-oriented values and expressed optimism about its future: “Kazakhstan’s future is bright, and its opportunities are virtually limitless because the country is built on strong family traditions,” he remarked. While Rosenblum plans to retire from the State Department, he expressed a desire to return to Central Asia, possibly as a tourist or in another capacity. Transition at the U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah Robinson will serve as Chargé d’Affaires until a new ambassador is appointed and confirmed. The U.S. Consul General in Almaty, Michelle Erkin, will also continue her work. Rosenblum’s predecessor, William Moser, ended his term in September 2021, preceding Rosenblum’s appointment in late 2022. Resignations in South Korea and Azerbaijan Rosenblum’s resignation coincides with similar announcements by Philip Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, and Mark Libby, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Goldberg, who has served in diplomatic roles for nearly 35 years, plans to step down in January 2025. His tenure in South Korea began in July 2022, during the administration of President Yoon Suk-Yeol, and was marked by efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance and enhance trilateral cooperation with Japan. Mark Libby’s resignation reflects similar timing, with discussions focusing on the alignment of these departures with the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. A Broader Diplomatic Crisis? These resignations occur against the backdrop of challenges in the U.S. diplomatic service, highlighted in a report by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The report detailed staffing issues during Trump’s first term, with several key State Department positions either unfilled or held by interim appointees. The conclusion of Rosenblum’s distinguished career marks the end of a productive chapter in U.S.-Kazakh relations, leaving his successor with the task of continuing to foster this important bilateral partnership.

1 week ago

Environment wildlife Ecology Nature Reserve Red Book

Endangered Great Bustard Named Tajikistan’s Bird of the Year

The great bustard, also known as the red-breasted bustard, has been named the bird of the year for 2025 in Tajikistan. The decision, announced on December 11, followed a vote by the National Academy of Sciences. The rare bird, locally called dugdogi zebo, is listed in both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Red Book of Tajikistan, signifying its endangered status. Since 2007, Tajikistan has annually designated a bird of the year to raise awareness about avian conservation. Previous honorees include an owl, corncrake, pheasant, paradise flycatcher, Tibetan eagle, peregrine falcon, white stork, and oriole. The common turtle dove has held the title this year. The great bustard resides in Tajikistan as both a breeding and migratory species. Experts estimate that only 23 breeding pairs inhabit the country, though the population temporarily rises to 50-60 individuals during migration periods. Slightly larger than a domestic hen, male great bustards have a body length of 65-75 cm and weigh between 1.8 and 3.2 kg, significantly smaller than the common bustard, which can weigh up to 15 kg. Omnivorous by nature, the bird’s diet includes fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, locusts, beetles, and small reptiles. Known for their cautious behavior, great bustards avoid human contact and prefer to hide or flee when threatened. Their average lifespan in the wild is approximately 20 years. Globally, the International Bustard Conservation Foundation, supported by the UAE government, leads efforts to protect the species. To date, the foundation has bred over 480,000 bustards in captivity and released 285,000 into the wild. In Kazakhstan, the foundation releases great bustards into the wild while simultaneously issuing hunting licenses for $1,280 per bird, catering to Arab hunters. Uzbekistan hosts an Emirati conservation center in the Kyzylkum Desert, dedicated to breeding and protecting the species, as well as releasing them into their natural habitat. Despite these international initiatives, Tajikistan has yet to leverage Arab funding or hunting tourism to support conservation efforts. Utilizing such resources could bolster the great bustard population while generating additional economic benefits.

1 week ago