Uzbekistan’s Consulate Urges Citizens to Follow U.S. Law After Cargo Theft Arrests

The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in New York has urged citizens of Uzbekistan in the United States to follow local laws after recent media reports linked several citizens of Uzbekistan and people of Uzbek origin to criminal investigations. In a statement posted on Telegram, the consulate said reports about alleged offenses involving citizens of Uzbekistan or people of Uzbek origin had appeared increasingly in the media and on social networks. The statement did not refer to a specific case, but it came shortly after U.S. authorities announced charges against an alleged multi-state cargo theft ring. The consulate called on citizens of Uzbekistan living, studying, working, or doing business in the U.S. to respect local laws, customs, and accepted standards of public behavior. “Any violation of the law carries personal responsibility,” the statement said, adding that unlawful actions by a small number of people can affect perceptions of the broader Uzbek community abroad. The consulate said most members of that community are law-abiding, work honestly, study, run businesses, and represent Uzbekistan with dignity. The diplomatic mission noted that the issue is particularly important during major international events and sports competitions, when public and media attention toward Uzbekistan and its citizens increases. The statement was issued as U.S. law enforcement agencies continued investigating a group accused of stealing nearly $5 million worth of commercial cargo. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, eight defendants were indicted in connection with a scheme that allegedly targeted shipments in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey before the stolen goods were diverted to New York. Prosecutors allege the group operated between October 2025 and April 2026 and impersonated legitimate shipping carriers to obtain cargo from logistics sites. The stolen goods allegedly included lamb, cheese, beef, copper, and cigarettes. According to prosecutors, the defendants used fraudulently obtained shipment information from real carriers and brokers, leased trucks, and used false carrier identities to collect cargo. The stolen goods were then transported into and through New York City for sale on the black market. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said the alleged thefts included $165,000 worth of lamb, $432,000 worth of cheese, $295,000 worth of beef, more than $266,000 worth of copper, and more than $3.3 million worth of cigarettes. The New York Post reported that Murodullo “Murad” Khasanov, whom prosecutors identified as the alleged leader of the group, was arrested in New York and pleaded not guilty. The newspaper said prosecutors sought $1.5 million bail. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the alleged theft ring affected businesses and consumers and raised concerns about the use of online hacking in large-scale cargo theft. Prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing. The consulate said it remains ready, within its authority, to provide citizens with consular and legal assistance. At the same time, it urged citizens to act responsibly and avoid behavior that could lead to legal consequences or harm the reputation of Uzbekistan and its citizens abroad. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Uzbekistan has also sought to expand...