Community Concerns Rise Around Islamic Center and Trucking Practices in Ohio
MAINEVILLE, OHIO — A mosque in the rural area of southwest Ohio has drawn attention amid growing worries about foreign-owned trucking companies and possible fraud. A recent review indicates notable financial ties between the mosque, local trucking operations, and the government of Uzbekistan.
Located approximately one mile north of a key intersection in Maineville, a small village with about 1,400 residents, the Islamic Center of Maineville has been under construction for four years, following its approval from Hamilton Township in April 2022.
Research revealed that the mosque has received significant funding from trucking companies cited for serious safety and compliance issues. Furthermore, the mosque’s Telegram channel hints at connections with individuals identified as current or former Uzbek officials.
Over the years, the Islamic Center has actively engaged its 3,600 members on Telegram, soliciting donations and announcing partnerships with trucking firms. Screenshots indicate that local companies, owned by Uzbeks, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A particular company, Buraq Limited, linked to Rukhshona Sultonova, contributed at least $28,000 through 28 donations to the mosque. However, the company’s records show various violations, including issues concerning English proficiency and electronic logging device regulations.
Another entity, Premier Trucking Group Inc., owned by Sam Avazov, has faced over 100 violations, including unsafe driving. Notably, the mosque posted a screenshot of a $1,000 donation from this company, which has contributed at least $25,000 in total.
Foko Logistics, led by Abubakr Olimov, made a single $20,000 contribution but had numerous violations related to vehicle maintenance and inspections. Meanwhile, Maca Transportation and Services LLC also donated at least $7,000 and faced 120 violations during inspections.
One major donor, Phoenix Cargo, contributed $150,000 to the mosque and stated that this amount is a small piece of the mosque’s overall construction budget. They clarified that they do not rank among the top contributors. However, the company has also been cited for numerous safety violations.
The Islamic Center did not respond to requests for comments but previously expressed a commitment to responsible operations within legal boundaries. Some community members are expressing concerns about the high rate of safety violations among these trucking companies and the implications for local public safety.
One local researcher, Nodawolf, who has been documenting concerns related to trucking fraud in the area, raised alarms about the connection between Uzbek truckers and compliance violations. The situation has generated a lot of apprehension, especially following a tragic incident where an Uzbek truck driver, Bekhzod Asrarov, was involved in a fatal accident.
The mosque’s website claims it does not seek donations from foreign entities, yet its Telegram presence suggests otherwise, especially with connections to Uzbek officials involved in the trucking sector. The Hamkor Uz Cincinnati Association, recorded as the owner of the mosque’s property, appears to have strong ties to both the Uzbek government and the local trucking industry.
Community feedback indicates residents feel concern over the rising numbers of Uzbek trucking companies and safety issues linked to it. While some are hesitant to voice their worries publicly due to the risk of being labeled as prejudiced, others are advocating for change. Ohio Rep. Michelle Teska has been proactive, proposing legislation to ensure driver training tests are administered in English, a move she believes tackles one of the industry’s significant issues.
Warren County law enforcement is stepping up oversight of the trucking sector in response to these issues, prompting community members to voice their concerns more overtly. Local officials acknowledge the inconsistent safety standards and investigation into potential patterns of non-compliance within the Uzbek trucking community, which appears notably different from other immigrant groups in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how community dynamics will shift and whether the local authorities will expedite efforts for better regulatory enforcement amidst escalating concerns over trucking safety in southwest Ohio.
