Surge in mercenary-related cases in Uzbekistan. What about Tajikistan?

​Uzbekistan has seen a dramatic increase in criminal cases related to mercenary activities over the past three years. In 2022, only 19 cases were filed under Article 154 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code — mercenary activities, but by 2025, the number had risen to 139. Fergana news agency says the figures were revealed in a documentary titled «Uzoqdan Izlagan Bakht» (Happiness Sought from Afar) produced by the Service for National Security (SNS) of Uzbekistan.​