Man Sentenced for Crafting Explosives to Target Gold Mine in Navoiy
Man Sentenced for Making Explosive Devices After Watching Online Tutorials
In a notable case from the Khatirchi district of Navoiy, a 44-year-old man, identified as Sh.N., was sentenced for manufacturing homemade explosive devices after following online tutorials. The man had constructed three explosive devices, which were discovered during a special operation conducted by local law enforcement.
On January 14, 2025, officers from both the Khatirchi District Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and the State Security Service (SSS) executed a search operation that led to the discovery of the explosives stored in a chest at Sh.N.’s residence in Bakhshizhar mahalla.
Investigations revealed that Sh.N. had created these devices in March 2024, inspired by instructional videos he had found online. An expert conclusion from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Forensic Expertise Center, dated January 20, 2025, classified the items as “electrically triggered explosive devices.”
In his court testimony, Sh.N. detailed that he intended to use the explosives to blast rocks while prospecting for gold in an abandoned mine near the village of Oltinsoy. He explained, “I went to a deserted area hoping to dig out rocks that might contain gold particles. But extracting the stones was extremely difficult. I had heard that explosives are sometimes used in mining.”
Sh.N. elaborated on his method of creating the explosives, stating, “I found instructions online on how to make explosives at home. Using leftover gunpowder, agricultural fertilizer, and electrical cables, I assembled the devices with tape.” However, he emphasized that he never used the explosives, as he had moved to Tashkent for work in construction and had not returned to the mine.
During his statement, Sh.N. further clarified that no one assisted him in the creation of the devices and he requested the court for leniency in sentencing.
On April 9, 2025, the Khatirchi District Criminal Court found Sh.N. guilty under Article 248, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the illegal possession, storage, or manufacture of firearms, ammunition, explosive substances, or explosive devices. As a result, he was sentenced to two years of restricted freedom, reflecting the court’s decision on the severity of the offense.
