Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The State Security Service (SSS) of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor’s Office, has detained individuals involved in fraudulent schemes offering illegal travel to the United States.

In one case, a 1992-born resident of Samarkand gained the trust of a foreign national by promising to arrange travel to the U.S. for him and four family members via Turkey for a total of US$150,000 (US$30,000 per person). The suspect received a US$15,000 advance for processing visa documents, allegedly with the assistance of his acquaintances.

In another case, a foreign national temporarily residing in Tashkent promised another foreign citizen counterfeit UK passports. He demanded US$25,000 for facilitating travel to the U.S. through Turkey and the United Arab Emirates using forged documents.

The suspect was apprehended while accepting an advance payment of US$12,500. Authorities also seized fake passports and ID cards during the operation.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated under Articles 168 Part 4 (a), 28, and 211 Part 3 (a) of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan. Investigations are currently ongoing.