Former Wagner recruit from Uzbekistan sentenced to forced labor
Former drug trafficker, Shavkat Yuldoshev, found himself in a completely different world after being imprisoned in Russia. Recruited by Russian military personnel into the Wagner private military company, Yuldoshev claimed in the Okhangaron District Court that he was not involved in military operations in Ukraine, but only in the construction of fortifications.
Yuldoshev’s journey began in December 2019 when he traveled to Russia for work. While in Moscow, he became involved in the buying and selling of narcotics and was eventually apprehended by law enforcement. Subsequently, in September 2021, the Obninsk City Court of the Kaluga region found him guilty of drug trafficking under the Russian Federation Criminal Code and sentenced him to 7 years in prison.
During his time behind bars, Yuldoshev was approached by Russian military personnel and served in the Wagner private company from October 2022 to April 2023. In exchange for his service, he was granted early release from prison, received a monetary reward of 950,000 rubles, and was awarded the “For Bravery” medal by the Russian Federation.
Upon his return to Uzbekistan in August 2023, Yuldoshev faced an investigation, as he had failed to obtain Russian citizenship. Recently, on May 30 of this year, the Okhangaron District Court for criminal cases convicted Yuldoshev of committing a crime under the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan and sentenced him to 2 years and 6 months of corrective labor.
In his court testimony, Yuldoshev admitted to being in the Luhansk region of Ukraine, where he participated in the construction of military fortifications (bunkers) for Wagner but denied involvement in any military operations. As his complicated journey continues, Yuldoshev’s past activities and present circumstances shed light on the complex interplay between crime, punishment, and redemption.
