4 Uzbek men nabbed in S. Korea over alleged support to terrorist group in Syria

Gwangju police have arrested four Uzbek men on charges of allegedly supporting a terrorist group in Syria, according to reports. One of the suspects is accused of sending 6.3 million won worth of cryptocurrency to Khatiba al-Tawhid wal-Jihad, a U.N.-designated terrorist organization, over several months starting in April 2025. This individual is also suspected of receiving cryptocurrency from the group, which he used to purchase 11 used cars and two excavators worth a combined total of 170 million won, before shipping them to Syria.

The United Nations has labeled the militant group, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, as a terrorist organization since 2022. Investigators believe the suspect was contacted by his younger brother, who is a member of the organization, prompting him to begin supporting it. The suspect was arrested in April, following his placement on Interpol's red notice.

Three other Uzbek nationals are facing charges of aiding the main suspect, such as locating used vehicles for the scheme. They have been questioned by police without detention. The main suspect reportedly operated a used car export company under the name of one of his compatriots.