Tashkent’s former top imam faces two criminal cases

Odilkhon Ismoilov, a religious leader who previously served as chief imam of several key mosques in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has been placed in preventive detention pending criminal proceedings.

Ismoilov is currently facing two separate criminal cases, Caliber.Az reports, citing Uzbek media.

The first case involves a series of serious economic and official misconduct charges. The former imam stands accused of embezzlement through misappropriation or misuse of funds, sham entrepreneurship, violations of trade regulations, and official forgery. Investigators also suspect him of forging documents, seals, and stamps, as well as their unlawful use.

The second case is collective in nature. Alongside Ismoilov, five other individuals are on trial, facing charges related to financial fraud and document concealment. The remaining defendants are accused of tax evasion and falsifying official records. According to the Supreme Court’s press secretary, five of the defendants, including Ismoilov, have been taken into custody, while one has been released on bail.

The trial, which began in 2025, is being conducted at the Pap District Criminal Court. Ismoilov is currently held at a temporary detention facility operated by the Pap District Department of Internal Affairs. The next court hearings are scheduled for January 28.

Odilkhon Ismoilov is a well-known figure among worshippers in the Uzbek capital. He has served as chief imam at the Sheyh Zayniddin (Kukcha), Hazrati Umar, Firdavs, and Khoja Alambardor mosques. Additionally, he previously held the position of deputy head at the Waqf charitable foundation. 

By Vafa Guliyeva