However, an unknown number of those seeking to emigrate ended up being killed and having their organs sold for transplants. Revelations about the murders have left local residents bewildered. It seems that whole families were chosen because they would not be immediately missed. It is quite common not to hear from those who go abroad for several months until they are settled, so no-one guessed what was going on, said a resident of Bukhara, this week. It s such a normal thing for people to look for work overseas these days.
People are desperate.
But it is quite amazing that they put their whole faith in complete strangers who make big promises. Our people are trusting and naive and would never suspect such a thing. As Uzbekistan s economy has remained stagnant since the country gained independence in 1991, many citizens have resorted to emigration to Europe or America as the fastest way out of poverty. Those with legal ways out are availing themselves of the opportunity. For instance, many Uzbek Jews have departed for the United States or Israel.