Woman sentenced for attempting to sell her 11-year-old son for 40 million soums

Woman sentenced for attempting to sell her 11-year-old son for 40 million soums

A court in Uzbekistan's Surkhandarya Region has sentenced a woman to 3 years and 6 months in prison for attempting to sell her 11-year-old son for 40 million soums.

According to investigators, the woman reached an agreement with a prospective buyer to sell the child for 40 million soums. She was arrested by law enforcement officers after receiving an advance payment of 20 million soums during their meeting.

Authorities said the prospective buyer realized that the proposal was illegal and reported it to law enforcement, allowing officers to conduct a controlled operation.

During the trial, the woman said she committed the crime because of her severe financial hardship, heavy debts, lack of housing, and family breakdown. She claimed she believed her son would have a better life in conditions she herself could not provide.

The court found her guilty of human trafficking and sentenced her to 3 years and 6 months' imprisonment. The issue of the child's legal guardianship has been entrusted to the relevant authorities.