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- 22.10.2025 12:04:00
Former Humans Top Manager Arrested for Organizing Illegal Gambling
Behzod Botirov, co-founder of PayWay and former top manager of Humans, has been arrested in Uzbekistan on charges of illegally organizing gambling operations.
He was detained on July 4 by the decision of the Yakkasaroy District Court of Tashkent under Article 278, Part 2 of the Criminal Code (“illegal organization or conduct of gambling and risk-based games”).
The court extended his detention until February 2026 due to the risk that he might evade investigation.
If convicted, Botirov could face 7 to 10 years in prison.
The investigation began at the request of the National Agency for Perspective Projects (ILMA).
According to the agency, the UPay company accepted payments for gambling activities under the guise of legal transactions, and Botirov was the organizer of this system.
Humans described the case as “disproportionate and unfounded,” noting that such economic disputes are typically resolved through administrative or financial measures, not criminal prosecution.