Uzbekistan warns citizens in Russia against joining A.U.E. criminal movement

The State Security Service (SSS) of Uzbekistan has warned citizens working in Russia to stay away from the criminal movement “A.U.E.”, following an increase in the number of Uzbek nationals prosecuted in Russia for participating in or supporting the group.

According to the SSS press office, there are growing concerns over the involvement of youth in the “A.U.E.” ideology – a criminal subculture rooted in prison rules and “thieves’ code” principles. The name “A.U.E.” stands for “Arrestantsky Uklad Edin”.

“Unfortunately, the influence of this ideology has reached some Uzbek nationals working in Russia. According to media reports and official sources, in recent years several of our compatriots have been held criminally liable in Russia for their involvement in or support of the A.U.E. movement. This has had a negative impact not only on their personal freedom, but also on the reputation of Uzbek citizens as a whole,” the statement reads.

The SSS notes that A.U.E. members primarily recruit new followers online – through social media, chat groups, and video platforms. They also attempt to influence labor migrants by using slang and terminology such as bratva (brotherhood), obshchak (common fund), and ponyatiya (criminal code of conduct).

“It is important to understand that A.U.E. is not just a social club to unwind after work – it is a direct gateway to criminal activity,” the agency emphasized.

In Russia, A.U.E. has been designated as an extremist organization and banned since 2020. Under Russian law, participation in or support of A.U.E. can result in:

– a fine of RUB 300,000–600,000;

– imprisonment of up to 1 year;

– correctional labor for 1–4 years;

– imprisonment for a term of 2–6 years.

Other consequences may include job loss, deportation, revocation of legal status, restrictions on freedom of movement, and more.