#Uzbekistan #Tashkent #Bekhzod Botirov #UPay #Humans

Continued Pressure on Uzbekistan’s Humans Ecosystem

The story of Bekhzod Botirov, the former CEO of UPay, is one that reflects the tumultuous legal landscape in Uzbekistan. Botirov, who previously held a senior executive position at the Humans group, was arrested on July 4, 2025, by the Yakkasaray District Court of Tashkent. His arrest was a significant development in a broader narrative concerning the Humans group and its ongoing arbitration dispute with the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Arrest Details and Charges

As reported, Botirov faces serious allegations under Part 2, Article 278 of the Criminal Code which pertains to the illegal organization or conduct of gambling activities. Notably, he has been detained since his arrest, with authorities citing reasons such as the risk of absconding and potential destruction of evidence. However, the defense team has presented comprehensive documentation refuting these claims, insisting on the former CEO’s innocence.

Despite these efforts, the court extended Botirov's detention until February 2026, maintaining that the risks present justified this punitive response. The initial request to initiate proceedings against Botirov stemmed from the Uzbek National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP), which accused UPay of facilitating illegal online gambling operations disguised as legitimate transactions. However, the defense argues that these claims lack substantiation, noting that real online gambling operations continue to be processed through licensed providers without suitable regulatory intervention.

Context of the Arrest

Botirov's arrest is widely believed to be intricately connected with the arbitration claims filed by Humans Mobile against the Republic of Uzbekistan at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The arbitration claim was initiated on May 30, 2025, shortly before Botirov was arrested, further raising suspicions regarding the motivation behind the charges against him.

The crux of the arbitration revolves around the abrupt suspension of UPay’s operations by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, which occurred within a single day and was reportedly based on a mere transaction of USD 10. Such actions have paralyzed the company's operations, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior from regulatory authorities.

Systematic Pressure on Businesses

Humans believes that the ongoing legal actions against Botirov and certain businesses within its group represent systematic pressure being exerted on private enterprises in Uzbekistan. The continuous scrutiny from various Uzbek state agencies, including the Ministry of Justice and NAPP, challenges the integrity of the entrepreneurial environment, setting a precarious precedent for business operations in the nation. The nature of these arrests poses significant threats to the rights of private business executives, potentially endangering operations and investments.

Companies associated with Humans have been subjected to sweeping inspections with no credible evidence of wrongdoing uncovered thus far. The agencies involved appear less concerned with fact-finding and more focused on exerting undue pressure on leaders like Botirov, who have been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape in Uzbekistan.

Demand for Justice

In light of these developments, Humans has vocalized its stance, categorizing the detention of Bekhzod Botirov as a politically motivated act against a dedicated entrepreneur. The organization has publicly called for an end to the criminal prosecution of business figures and for critical principles of justice to be upheld, including the right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence.

Humans is committed to ensuring that the issues facing Botirov and the broader Humans ecosystem receive international attention. The company emphasizes the necessity of drawing awareness to these legal violations in global media and among institutional investors, advocating for Botirov's immediate release.

Conclusion

As Uzbekistan navigates its complex political and economic landscape, the situation surrounding Bekhzod Botirov serves as a litmus test for the treatment of private enterprises and entrepreneurs. In an era where the intersection of business and politics is increasingly susceptible to abuse, the ongoing detention of Mr. Botirov raises profound concerns about the future of entrepreneurial activity in Uzbekistan and the level of protection extended to international investors.

For more information on this ongoing situation and the initiatives taken by Humans, visit their website: Humans Group