In the newly released Global Organized Crime Index 2025 report, prepared by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC), Uzbekistan scored 4.93 points for its level of organized crime, ranking 108th out of 193 nations. While this sits below the global average of 5.08 points, the report highlights a significant vulnerability: the country’s resilience to criminal threats remains low, scoring just 3.83 points and landing in 140th place.
Experts drew particular attention to human trafficking in Uzbekistan, which scored a high 8.0 points. Across Central Asia, risks tied to labor migration, smuggling, and cross-border criminal networks persist. Nevertheless, Uzbekistan's overall crime rate appears more moderate compared to many of its regional neighbors.
Global Leaders and Outsiders in the Ranking
The highest indicators (representing the most criminalized countries) belong to:
- Myanmar — 8.08 points
- Colombia — 7.82 points
- Mexico — 7.68 points
- Ecuador — 7.48 points
- Paraguay — 7.48 points
Scores also run high across nations in Africa and Latin America.
Conversely, the most stable countries—those with the lowest levels of organized crime—are traditionally located in Western and Northern Europe, as well as select parts of the Asia-Pacific region backed by robust institutional frameworks.
The analysis of 2025 global trends highlights that the world currently stands at a crossroads. Criminal networks are actively adapting to geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and economic crises. Key shifts include:
- The rise of cocaine and synthetic drugs, contrasting with a declining role for heroin.
- A sharp surge in financial and cybercrimes, representing a wave of "invisible" illicit activity.
- The growing influence of foreign actors and private sector complicity.
Index methodology: This is a composite tool built on expert assessments, data, and comprehensive analysis across 15 illicit markets (including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial crimes) alongside 12 resilience indicators (such as judicial independence, international cooperation, and transparency).
The index covers 193 countries, making it possible to track shifting dynamics since 2021. Rather than serving as official state statistics, it acts as an analytical resource designed for policymakers and experts.
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