Uzbekistan · 2026-W44 · Global Weekly Agenda

Binance reports $6.3bn security incident and freezes $3bn after suspected North Korea hack

First published Fri, Oct 30

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, reported a security incident affecting assets worth about $6.3 billion. The company temporarily suspended deposits and withdrawals and said it would cover any losses to users.1 2 3

Hackers breached the exchange's systems and stole cryptocurrency worth up to $5.5 billion by some accounts, which would make it the largest crypto theft on record. Binance confirmed the attack and said $3 billion in assets had been frozen so far.4

Platform partners froze slightly less than half of the total across blockchains. Analysts said the operation may have been carried out by the TraderTraitor group linked to North Korea, and the hackers reportedly broke into a technician's laptop and took the main funds within 20 minutes.5 6

Attributed claim: Accounts differ on the scale of the loss. Gazeta.uz put the stolen amount at up to $5.5 billion, while Spot and Anhor reported an incident affecting about $6.3 billion, and RZN.info said nearly $6 billion was withdrawn from the exchange.4 5 1 7

Uzbekistan to pay 1 million sum winter heating allowance to needy families in November

First published Fri, Oct 30

Uzbekistan will pay a one-off 1 million sum allowance to needy families for the heating season, with the payments scheduled for November. The money is intended to help households cover winter heating costs.1 2

The payments will reach not only families listed in the Social Register but also separate categories of citizens who are not included in it.2

The criteria for compensation of part of the cost of electricity, gas and coal will be expanded.1

Uzbekistan lets privately installed traffic cameras fine drivers without seat belts from November 1

First published Fri, Oct 30

Privately installed photo and video cameras that record traffic violations will be allowed to detect drivers who are not wearing seat belts in Uzbekistan from November 1, 2026. The change is set out in a Cabinet of Ministers resolution, No. 596, dated October 29.1

For a camera to record the violation, it must capture the offender so that the driver's face can be distinguished.2

Uzbekistan and Turkey agree to create high-level business support council

First published Fri, Oct 30

Uzbekistan and Turkey agreed to establish a high-level council to support business, with the two sides signing documents on preferential trade, social security and information exchange at the border.1 2

The two countries will expand the list of goods covered by their preferential trade agreement.3

Uzbekistan proposes free suburban rail travel for long-distance ticket holders within 12-hour window

First published Fri, Oct 30

Uzbekistan has put a draft resolution out for public consultation that would let passengers holding electronic tickets for long-distance trains ride suburban trains free of charge. The free window would run from 12 hours before departure to 12 hours after arrival. The consultation is open until 11 November.1

A separate proposal would merge rail, air and road passenger transport into a single ticketing system. Under the plan, bus schedules would be adjusted to connect with trains and flights, and air passengers on domestic routes with a transfer would be issued a single ticket. The government aims to raise domestic passenger journeys to 2 billion a year by 2030.2 3

Rules for submitting rail freight applications also changed. Companies will be able to file requests for cargo transport inside the country through state service centres and the my.gov.uz portal. The carrier must review an application within seven working days and may refuse only on grounds set out in the rules.4