Why is this important
The case became one of the most controversial in Uzbekistan’s fintech sector. It addresses the issues of regulating payment systems and the boundaries of responsibility of fintech companies in the field of online payments and lotteries.
What happened
- On July 4, 2025, the Yakkasaray District Court of Tashkent imposed a preventive measure in the form of arrest.
- He is accused of illegally organizing or conducting gambling.
- In September, the court extended the arrest until February 2026, pointing to the risk of “hidden evidence and destruction”.
- Botirov faces 7 to 10 years in prison.
- The case was initiated at the request of the National Agency for Perspective Projects, which revealed the acceptance of gambling payments through UPay.
- The investigation believes that the company accepted bets online under the guise of legitimate operations.
- Humans stated that the charges “are disproportionate to the circumstances” and that the defense had provided the investigation with documents denying Botirov’s involvement in organizing gambling.
- The defense filed an appeal, but the court upheld the arrest.
What they say
Humans emphasize that “such cases are usually resolved through administrative measures, not criminal prosecution”.
NAPP representatives claim that UPay’s actions were “systemic” and aimed at circumventing gambling regulation.
Context
In 2024, the Central Bank suspended the license of the Marokand payment organization (UPay brand, Humans group) due to suspicions of funds being transferred to bookmaker websites. In February 2025, the NAPP demanded the replacement of UPay’s CEO, with Ildar Vagapov taking over.
In March 2025, the Central Bank partially lifted restrictions on Marokand, but the investigation continued. Humans is one of the largest players in the Uzbek fintech market with millions of users.
