Ex-UPay Chief Remains in Arrest for Alleged Facilitation of Illegal Gaming

Bekhzod Botirov, the former chief executive officer of payments provider UPay, has remained in custody in Uzbekistan due to allegations of illegal gambling transactions. The man was arrested earlier this year, with supporters describing his detention as a pressure campaign against the Humans company group.

Botirov Was Arrested over Alleged Ties to Illegal Gambling

On July 4, 2025, officials arrested Botirov on charges of violating Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. According to the allegations, UPay served illegal gambling operators, thus facilitating unlicensed gaming operations.

The complaints state that UPay permitted illegal gambling transactions in violation of Article 278 of the Code. These transactions, according to the National Agency for Perspective Projects (NAPP), were allegedly disguised as legitimate payments.

Now, Botirov’s detention has been extended until February 2026 as the proceedings continue.

Humans Says the Detention Is Politically Motivated

The Humans group, however, has argued that the continued detention of Botirov is a part of a politically motivated pressure campaign against him and the broader business. Humans Mobile previously stated that Botirov’s defense has provided documentation that disputes the allegations. Additionally, investigations have reportedly failed to confirm the complaint, the company added.

Humans has also pointed out that other licensed payment providers also facilitate online gambling without facing similar repercussions.

In any case, the government has opted to keep Botirov in custody due to concerns about potential interference with evidence. As a result, authorities continue to investigate UPay, as well as other businesses founded by Botirov.

In the meantime, UPay remains suspended by the Central Bank of Uzbekistan. In a separate case, Humans seeks to overturn the suspension. The company has also demanded the release of Botirov due to the alleged lack of evidence for his detention.