"You mind if I clean up behind me" *cuts to johnny* *complete disarray behind him*

As a guy from Uzbekistan all you you have said are actually true. However you missed worst parts of the story. She tried sell our gold, but plane carrying the gold bars were plundered by Putin's regime when the flew through Russia. Overall damage of Gulnara to our country to be estimated 15$ billion not 842 millions. Imagine those amount of money was distributed to ordinary people. She was a really insatiable beast. I can't imagine her being our leader. I think it would be interesting if you make a video about his father.

I'm a KZfaqr from Uzbekistan. Johnny, thank you for this well-researched episode. This truly delves into the darkest side of our recent history and the greatest robbery ever to happen to Uzbekistan. I was aware of all this corruption, but I was amazed at how openly she used to write about everything on Twitter. That's insane! 🤯

She already had the influence but Harvard really gave her the playbook and organization skills to maximize crime.

This is intended as constructive feedback and not a criticism of your work, but I found this video to be excessively chaotic. The combination of keyboard sounds, multiple voiceovers overlapping, water spilling, eating sounds, and drinking/slurping didn't seem to fit well in a documentary-style format. It felt more suitable for a fast-paced TikTok video. However, I did appreciate the detailed information provided and the parts of the video that were less chaotic worked quite effectively. The content and story were very interesting as well.

As a citizen of Uzbekistan, I can tell you that the saddest part is that people are not aware of these things. Media doesn't dare to touch this topic. People are brainwashed by propaganda and still think that she is a hero and feel sorry for her spending her time in prison. Our people are waking up eventually. Thank you for your effort and attention!

This video feels like a short film trying to be a full length feature.

English is not my first language, and even though I have a high level of proficiency in English, this was still difficult to follow. I can see that you were taking us through your own mental workflow, and I really appreciate the artistic aspect of this editing. However, please keep in mind that you have people watching from all over the world, and with this type of editing, we can easily lose track of the story while trying to keep up with the noises, movement, voices overlapping other voices, and the fast pace... Since this is my first comment here, I just wanted to add that your work is impeccable and truly inspiring! I'm looking forward to seeing your next videos.

I recall myself as a young boy, around the age of 14 or 15, picking cotton in the fields instead of attending my school. Meanwhile, Gulnara was walking confidently down international catwalks, promoting her clothing brand, which was built on the hardships endured by children like me.

As a follower from Uzbekistan who never skips any of your videos, I'd never expected to see you doing video about the hugest thief of Uzbekistan. Wow!

I've read a bit of criticism of Johnny's style in the comments. I as well as millions of subscribers love his style, the info and editing. It's masterful and appreciated. Thank you.

A few additional points on the Central Asian context: - Re: the number of degrees she "earned" from universities in Uzbekistan, keep in mind that corruption is a systemic problem in Uzbekistan's higher education system, and that was even more so during the Karimov years. Degrees get awarded to prominent "students" who completed a fraction of the necessary coursework -- who maybe even only set foot on campus a handful of times, or not at all -- simply because they have the right connections, and those connections pressure the academic bureaucracy to sign off on the necessary paperwork. If you're a professor at a university in Uzbekistn, and the daughter of the President comes in to sit for the final exam, even if she turns in a blank sheet of paper, you're going to give her a passing mark, because you know what the secret police are going to do to you if you don't. It's best to think of those as more-or-less honorary degrees, not genuine certification of academic achievement. - It's common for authoritarian leaders to give their immediate family members prominent positions within government. As an extreme example, Rustam Emomali, the son of Tajikistan's president Emomali Rahmon (who is just as bad, if not a worse dictator than Karimov was) currently serves as the mayor of the country's capital, Dushanbe, and as chairman of the rupper-stamp national senate. Quite a busy man. As a more reasonable example, Saida Mirziyoyeva, eldest daughter of Uzbekistan's current president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev (who by most assessments is still very much an authoritarian, but a marked improvement from his predecessor) is currently a senior advisor in the Presidential Administration and informally serves as a sort of cultural-ambassador-at-large, often representing Uzbekistan internationally. This gives them leadership experience, but more importantly, a public profile and an opportunity to build relationships with other elites. - Inoyatov was widely considered the second-most powerful man in Uzbekistan, after only President Karimov himself, someone with an independent power base due to his control over the secret police. He is also identified by some analysts as the kingmaker who helped the current president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, secure the top spot. - The overall situation in Uzbekistan has improved quite a bit since the new president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, came to power at the end of 2016. The political situation has improved -- Uzbekistan's score on the Freedom in the World index has improved from 3/100 in 2017 to 12/100 in 2024. Notably, Mirziyoyev sidelined Inoyatov and eventually forced him out of government, though this was probably more about securing his own position than concern for human rights or anything. Mirziyoyev talks like a reformer and, to some extent, he walks the walk. Economic privatization and liberalization is one of the key points of his governing agenda, but this is somewhat limited, both by resistance from within the government and by external factors beyond his control. For example, the government has been incredibly keen to sell off several state-owned banks, but fear of sanction contagion after the increased sanctions against Russia has spooked potential international investors. Uzbekistn really is a wonderul country. It has a rich, fascinating history, and some of the kindest people you'll ever meet. It's a shame that their fortunes are held back by people who abuse their power.

This felt like a 30-minute tiktok, so much going on, so much sounds effects and vfx.

As an Uzbek I can confidently say that she sold all artifacts and museum pieces from my country to private collections

Now in Uzbekistan the same horrific scenarios are being done by the Mirziyoyevs and their son-in-laws who have this tremendous power lust and ill intentions to torture the nation who are living miserably under their strict regime. God help the people of Uzbekistan.

Your videos are always SO interesting. Not only the incredible in-depth research you do and the people you interview, but the filming and editing is incredible. Obsessed.

When she screams for her father, you can tell by her tone she knows she's about to have a *really* rough time in prison.

the whole video feels like intro, too chaotic

This was awesome! So refreshing to see proper journalism & a window into the process in long form. Please please please never sell out or become co-opted Johnny. The bigger you get and the more stones you roll over and look what crawls out. The more people who don’t like real journalism will try cancel you

Thank you johhny. I am so glad of this video. I am from uzbekistan. I support you. Please make more videos on uzbekistan. Thank you so much❤

It's stated that in 2019, she was taken to prison for violating her terms of house arrest, then received an additional 13-year sentence after being found guilty of extortion, money laundering, and other crimes. Her daddy died in 2016.

If you had a "How to spot a narcissist" checklist she would tick all the boxes

love the editing really makes me feel like im researching with you

Johnny, you could do a similar video to the daughter of the former president of Angola, the richest woman in Africa, living now in Dubai and under an Interpol detention mandate. Her husband died in "an accident", her banking advisor in Portugal "commited" suicide. She owned thr largest company in Angola

This felt like a fever dream instead of a independent documentary/journalism.

If i learned one thing from this video is that rich foreigners should not be allowed to buy property in other countries, it's clearly a form of money laundering.

You’re literally the only investigative journalist I watch you are so amazing at these deep dives. Excellent video as usual!

I really enjoyed how different this video was from your other ones. It gave a glimpse into how you do your research and process the information as you uncover it. Very well done (as usual ❤).

I was a student when I met her in a concert. She seemed so glamorous with elegant clothes. Actually, she was revered by many people in my country. She stole literally every business in my country back then.

Anybody else felt the weird editing distracting from the story compared to his over videos? I found this story interesting and then it would weirdly cut someone talking with clicking and keyboard typing that found ut hard to follow.

My first question when I see these powerful people fall is, who did they piss off?

Some of the "dramatic editing" is too over the top and really distasteful. It's like watching indian soap opera but for mini-documents.

Lesson 1 “ do not ever mess with the rich or the powerful “ Lesson 2 “never forget lesson 1”

I am from uzbekistan, affect of corruption and fraud schemes almost killed the economy, it's just underestimated, people can do nothing but accept their fate

All the Uzbeks here 🇺🇿

You are amazing. It's been a while, so I don't remember what the first video of yours that I watched. You do a great job. Sometimes, it's hard to believe there are any real journalists remaining, especially in this country. Thank you for doing what you do.

I was really distracted by this video. I couldn't tell if it was about the princess of Uzbekistan, or Johnny drinking tea, or subconscious propaganda for fast food and paper waste.

Johnny dropping water on keyboard is the most Johnny thing ever

I love these new style videos where we get to see more behind the scenes of the video making process. You will always be one of my favourite KZfaqrs Johnny. Thanks for everything you do

Loved the video! Very informative. Really like the style of this piece too, there's this david fincher vibe to it, really like the clicking and typing sound.

For those who haven’t heard, our new channel Search Party covers geopolitics and global sports. Go check it out: kzfaq.info/love/7KbIaEOuY7H2j-cvhJ3mYA

Please lower the cuts! I can't focus on the contents anymore. I'm just seeing some shots and listening to some voices

The best thing about this video was you showing how you approach a story, great video johnny ...liked it

Your videos are insanely well done. I can only imagine how much work goes into them.

this is an extreme example of how a privileged background can effect somebody..

This is meant as constructive criticism and not a dig at you but this video was far to chaotic. Keyboard sounds, 6-8 different vo over top of each other, water spilling, eating food, and drinking/slurping. It just doesn’t fit in a documentary style format. If it was a TikTok video with a subway surfers and gta on top of it I would understand. I do like the details you went into on everything and the parts that weren’t chaos really worked well.

That poor mouse and keyboard the abuse it takes is incredible.

Love this editing style. It’s like Distracting but the distraction is the content so I’m not losing any info lol.

Don't usually comment here, but wanted to say that while I don't like the somewhat "chaotic" editing at play in this video, I can definitely see the intent behind it in trying to capture the chaos of the situation in a visual stimulus. I think thats a very nice touch and wouldn't mind seeing more experimental edit types/them-syncs. Enjoyed the content as always though. Keep up all you fine folks do!

The edit on this one was all over the place, it felt so much more chaotic. A LOT of keyboard and mouse noices. It distracted me from the story. Either way keep the good work you guys are great

To be honest, I didn't really know this information about her as a Uzbek. Thank you for your detailed work.

A president's son/daughter taking bribes because of their father's name?! That could NEVER happen in America!

I didn’t expect googoosha here 😅

She even stole her stage name. Googoosh is a very beloved Iranian singer.

Omg i love this format, so open and perfectly captures the research and thought process of the whole art of journalism and the level of dedication required for just a single video! Kudos!

I think your previous videos were much better than what you are producing nowadays.Those were without unnecessary sounds and scenes. You could've easily shorten this video instead of adding unnecessary things.

Hey Johnny: I generally like the super-informal studio scene, but you overdid it this time. The editing is atrocious, unfortunately. Very, very distracting.

I'm living in Uzbekistan now, and heard rumors about her story. Thanks for covering a story from such an obscure part of the world!

Oh my goodness! A hell lot of research. Loved all those small snippets of little things you were doing calling, sending mails to the people.

Thanks for this well researched documentary.

Currently she is in prison and current authority would not let her out. Cuz she knows too many info about current authority's crimes whether it's financial or other

Wow. That's some epic corruption. She must have just gotten too greedy for her fellow corruptees.

Bro hits that keyboard with the hate of all of his ancestors

Love this format. Such a hectic story.

“The only lives that truly matter are those who respect the lives of others”.

now the real questions, is the keyboard still working?

The production quality of your videos are exceptional. Thank you.

I love your videos so much! The editing is always so good

Something about the editing made this difficult to watch.

The only guarantee of power is that one day you’re going to lose it. Power works until you use too much of it .... Every time you abuse power, you awaken people to the fact that you cant be trusted with power and thats when power changes hands.

This is something new into my knowledge. Thanks for the info!

I loved the story, and loved the editing btw!

I live in Uzbekistan we have another rising princess just like her i hope you will cover it in the upcoming future

10 years in jail to 5 years in house arrest to 13 years in prison.

This aspect ratio is literally perfect for my iPhone full screen and I love it. Please shoot all your videos in this aspect ratio!!

Awesome and well informative video man

Cant say what i do for a living but i had a contract with this beautiful woman from uzbekistan. She had an incredible amount of wealth for seemongly no reason. Her husband was buying cars like crazy and had a massive gambling issue. He had fled the country to dubai when the authorities came for him as he had done some sketchy things and racked up a considerable amount of debt. She had contacted us when this all went down to help cover up her tracks and involvement. When i had first met her i thought the wealth came from her husband. But it was all from her and he was just living the life with her money. She had made it seem like her husband was doing this behind her back and fled without speaking to her but i discovered after that she had set it all up. Tip him off to eacape the authorities but also i think she wanted him gone from her life. I wonder where shes at now and i feel like she may be connected to these people in some way.

This story was insane. Only Johnny can make in-depth stories like this on KZfaq. Amazing job!

What an incredible job on compiling and creating this! As a video pro, this is incredible to watch

What an interesting topic. You made a great video . Thank you.

I'm from Uzbekistan. I'm 32. I grew up during her youth foundation. It was interesting to see things from another perspective. After 2016, Uzbekistan changed dramatically. Now, we don't have the SNB.

“A country most of us can’t place on map” lol most Americans can’t place their own country on a map

Dude, your videos are awesome. Keep the great job!

Glad to see all my Uzbek fellows in this comment section here. Thank you

I personally dont like the "im doing research and clicking things" style.

I have never ever thought that u will make video about someone from my country 🤯

music is too loud compared to people's speech/talk

Great journalism, thank you.

Johnny I'm huge fan of you. Never expected you to do content on this topic. Greetings from Uzbekistan

Great video, Johnny! This story really sheds some light on how things have been in the Central Asian countries, and there’s a lot of similarities to the Nazarbayev family in Kazakhstan; Dariga Nazarbayeva comes to mind first, as well as her late son Aisultan. Thanks for bringing attention to this topic ❤

Watching your research process was incredible

This guy should do a video about narcissistic documentarians. This was a 15 min video about the woman and 15 min about him.

Great job Johnny and the team. Hectic edit but experiments are how we refine. Looking forward to the next one! What a time to be alive

Hey, awesome video! I love that you also included sources in the description, a lot of people don't do that and it's cool that you do

very informative from you,keep it up 🔥

She and just this whole story in general is beyond crazy. The way she’s stolen, tortured, and schemed for so long without anyone stopping her is mind blowing. I’m very surprised that so many people (myself included) have never heard of her.

Hello Johnny. You are a LEGEND

Good research - thanks for your work on the story!

Hi Johnny ! wanted to tell you something I have been seeing in your videos lately, just as a random person that loves your videos. In new videos it seems that we see more of "you doing the research" than the actual research (only in some parts of the videos obviously). not throwing hate at all just something I noticed and sometimes it feels that we are watching you go scroll websites and information instead of getting the actual information of the topic you are talking about. love your videos! hope this feedback is taken in good faith

Can I just say I love the aspect ratio you have this video in. Why other channels don’t use it boggles my mind.