A man was detained in Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan for completely destroying the Kunjulitepa archaeological site. He sold the land from it and caused damage to cultural heritage worth 47.5 billion soums ($4.3 million).

The General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan reported that a resident of Darkhon makhalla, despite repeated warnings from the line departments, completely destroyed the archaeological site Kunjulitepa. He was in the business of selling clay. The man destroyed the monument by selling parts of the land from the monument.

"The Prosecutor’s Office of Yakkabag District opened a criminal case on destruction and damage to objects of material cultural heritage with large damage. The perpetrator was taken into custody," the statement said.

The Prosecutor General's Office of Uzbekistan recalled that in accordance with the changes made to the criminal legislation this year, the penalties for the destruction and damage of historical monuments were seriously strengthened, and punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 7 years was established.