A Group Posing as the Customs Committee on Social Media Was Detained In Tashkent Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Law enforcement authorities have detained a group of five individuals who created fake Telegram and Instagram channels and groups impersonating the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, the press service of the Tashkent Region Main Directorate of Internal Affairs reported.

The perpetrators operated under names such as “Confiscated Goods,” “Wholesale Warehouse,” “Customs Committee Admin” (“Bo‘jhona Komitasi Admini”), and “Trust Is with You” (“Ishonch Siz Bilan”). Investigations revealed that the group members were young men aged 22 to 25, residing in Andijan Region.

On the fake pages, they posted ads for goods at reduced prices, including household appliances, heating boilers, kitchen and children’s furniture, electronic gadgets (including new iPhone models), clothing, and motor scooters. To create an appearance of legitimacy, part of the payments was accepted via bank cards registered to third parties.

After receiving payments, the sellers ceased communication. Buyers did not receive the purchased goods, and their accounts were blocked and added to a so-called “blacklist” on social media.

Operational measures revealed that the group, by gaining the trust of 60 citizens, fraudulently obtained a total of 117 million soums, which were spent on personal expenses.

A criminal case has been initiated against the detainees under paragraphs “b” and “g” of part three of Article 168 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, covering fraud committed repeatedly or using information technologies. Investigative actions are ongoing, and measures are being taken to compensate citizens for the financial losses incurred.