The story surrounding Uzbekistan's migration service has spread beyond the country

The case of Azizbek Toshtemirov, a former employee of Uzbekistan's migration service, has escalated beyond national borders, drawing significant attention from Russian media and Telegram channels. The story gained momentum following a detailed publication by the Russian outlet "Moskovsky Monitor" on August 10, which outlined Toshtemirov's accusations against his former superiors.

Initially, Uzbekistan had placed Toshtemirov, who previously headed the migration agency's representative office in South Korea, on Interpol's international wanted list in May 2026, citing fraud charges. However, his name was subsequently removed from Interpol's public database in July. This development occurred as Toshtemirov began to speak out publicly, using a Telegram channel reportedly linked to him.

Through this channel, Toshtemirov has been releasing documents, correspondence, and audio recordings. He alleges that the criminal proceedings against him are politically motivated and orchestrated by the former head of the migration service, Afzal Irmatov, and the current head, Behzod Musaev. His accusations center on alleged corruption in organizing labor migration to South Korea, including interference in exams and the informal distribution of employment opportunities.

Toshtemirov also claims that valuable goods from South Korea, such as premium Wagyu beef, alcohol, cosmetics, and perfumes, were allegedly passed on to the leadership of the migration department. The narrative, amplified by various Russian news platforms and Telegram channels, frames the situation as a complex scandal involving Uzbekistan, South Korea, and Interpol, moving from a criminal case to public accusations.