Cybercrime Ring in Tashkent Seizes Over 200 Million Soums, Activities Stopped

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Tashkent have uncovered a large-scale cyberfraud scheme in which criminals appropriated more than 200 million soums by deceiving citizens with fake prize draws on the Uzum platform.

According to the press service of the Tashkent Regional Department of Internal Affairs, during a recent operation, the Department for Combating Crimes in Information Technology identified an illegal call center operating in the basement of a residential building in the Chilanzar district.

The organized “cyber bunker” operated under the guise of companies Alhikma Ilm LLC, Aksiya Tech Shoop, and Grandbook. Sixteen operators made hundreds of calls on behalf of fictitious online stores.

Investigators report that a 31-year-old resident of Andijan region, previously convicted twice for fraud, together with accomplices, contacted citizens claiming they had won “prizes” on the Uzum Market platform. Victims were persuaded to temporarily transfer funds—taken as loans or microcredits—to accounts of the aforementioned companies with promises of reimbursement.

To distract some victims, the scammers intentionally sent cheap or incorrect items. Once the funds were received, all communication with the victims was completely cut off.

The investigation established that the group’s actions affected 50 individuals, with total embezzled funds exceeding 200 million soums. During the raid on the “cyber bunker,” authorities seized 22 computers, mobile phones, SIM cards, bank cards, and lists containing personal and financial data of more than 2,500 citizens.

Investigative actions are ongoing to determine the group’s involvement in other fraud cases across various regions of Uzbekistan and to recover financial losses for the victims.

Citizens affected by Alhikma Ilm LLC, Aksiya Tech Shoop, or Grandbook are urged to contact the duty department of the Tashkent Regional Department of Internal Affairs at +998 71 762-21-35, +998 71 762-20-24, +998 71 762-20-25, or their nearest police station.