Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Law enforcement authorities in Tashkent have dismantled a criminal group that operated a fraudulent call center to steal personal data and withdraw money from citizens’ bank cards.

According to the Tashkent Internal Affairs Department, the fraudsters posed as representatives of mobile operators, calling residents across the country and convincing them to provide SMS verification codes under various pretexts. These codes granted the criminals access to victims' bank accounts, allowing them to withdraw funds.

During a special operation in the Mirzo-Ulugbek district, approximately 20 individuals were arrested. Searches led to the seizure of over 15,000 records containing personal data, bank cards, equipment used for cybercrimes, and illegal drugs.

A criminal case has been initiated, and investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the scheme, the number of victims, and the total financial damage.