Lucknow police arrest Uzbekistani national in international sex trafficking ring

Police in Lucknow have arrested Lola Kayumova, a 49-year-old Uzbekistani national, for allegedly leading an international sex trafficking ring. The investigation, conducted by the Intelligence Bureau and local police, reveals a sophisticated operation involving the trafficking of women from Uzbekistan and Nepal.

Authorities report that Kayumova used fraudulent documents, including fake marriage certificates, to obtain Indian identification such as Aadhaar cards and driving licenses. To evade detection, she reportedly underwent plastic surgery seven times to alter her appearance, making her appear significantly younger.

The case originated in June 2025 following a raid by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) at an apartment in Lucknow, which led to the detention of two other Uzbekistani women. Investigators are currently looking into whether doctors were involved in performing surgeries to change the identities of women before they were forced into prostitution in upscale residential areas.