Ohio Mosque Receives Large Donations From Trucking Firms Cited for Safety Violations

The Islamic Center of Maineville, a mosque under construction in rural southwest Ohio, has become a focal point for community concerns regarding trucking fraud and foreign-owned companies. A review by Fox News Digital found that the mosque has received substantial donations from trucking companies that have been cited for serious safety and compliance violations. These companies are predominantly owned by individuals from Uzbekistan.

Records show that companies such as Buraq Limited, Premier Trucking Group Inc., Foko Logistics LLC, Maca Transportation and Services LLC, and Phoenix Cargo have collectively donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the mosque. Many of these firms have accumulated numerous violations, including issues with English proficiency for drivers, expired medical cards, hours-of-service violations, and vehicle maintenance problems, with some having high rates of vehicles placed out of service.

For instance, Buraq Limited, associated with Rukhshona Sultonova, reportedly donated at least $28,000 to the Islamic Center and has faced multiple violations, including English-proficiency issues. Premier Trucking Group Inc., owned by Sam Avazov, has accrued over 100 violations and donated at least $25,000. Foko Logistics LLC, owned by Abubakr Olimov, had 52 violations across 37 inspections, with significant maintenance issues. Maca Transportation and Services LLC, owned by Muminkhuja Kholkhujaev, has logged 120 violations across 72 inspections, including failures in English proficiency and hours-of-service records.

Phoenix Cargo, which stated its $150,000 donation represented a fraction of the mosque's construction budget, has also faced hundreds of safety violations. The mosque has not responded to requests for comment but previously stated it is committed to operating responsibly and legally.

Concerns have been amplified by the association of the mosque's Telegram channel with individuals identified as current or former Uzbek officials. The Hamkor Uz Cincinnati Association, a nonprofit that aims to unite Uzbeks and support community projects, is listed as the owner of the property where the mosque is being built. Telegram posts reviewed by Fox News Digital show ties between Hamkor Uz, former Uzbek officials who are linked to creating local trucking companies, and officials from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies.

An online researcher, who requested anonymity due to death threats, noted the pattern of non-compliance among the donor companies, suggesting a potential exploitation of regulatory gaps. The association of government officials and trucking company creation has raised questions about the extent of foreign influence and oversight.

Local officials are also voicing concerns. Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell stated that while mosque fundraising is not inherently problematic, the disproportionate number of cases involving individuals from Uzbekistan warrants attention. Since 2021, the area has seen an increase in cases involving Uzbek nationals, necessitating more court interpreters and language-proficient city employees.

Ohio Republican State Representative Michelle Teska has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening commercial driver's licensing requirements, including a mandate for driver examinations to be administered in English. She cited firsthand observations of drivers who appear unable to communicate in English, a trend she described as "rampant."

The Hamilton Township Police Department has indicated it is actively monitoring traffic safety and recently participated in targeted enforcement initiatives for commercial vehicles. Despite these efforts, the community faces ongoing challenges in addressing the complex issues surrounding the influx of foreign-owned trucking companies and their integration into the local economy and infrastructure.