Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The State Security Service of the Republic of Uzbekistan, together with the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, conducted joint operational activities that resulted in the detention of nine members of an international terrorist organization.

Seven individuals were apprehended in Russia, and two more in Uzbekistan. According to investigators, while in Russia, the detainees came under the influence of a religious-extremist movement, participated in the activities of an international terrorist structure, and were engaged in recruiting labor migrants from various countries.

They organized secret gatherings and, via video conferences on the Telegram messenger, systematically trained and involved new members, promoting the ideas of the so-called “world caliphate.” Their activities were coordinated by associates abroad.

Based on the collected evidence, the Investigative Committee of Russia has initiated a criminal case on charges of organizing and participating in the activities of a terrorist organization.

In Kashkadarya region, SSS officers detained two more members of the same cell. It was established that they were part of virtual Telegram groups, disseminated materials containing radical ideas, and called for the unconstitutional overthrow of the government.

During searches of their homes, four mobile phones, three pieces of extremist literature, two flash drives, and a SIM card registered to a foreign state were seized. The confiscated items have been sent for expert examination.

Investigative and pre-trial actions are currently underway in relation to the detainees.