Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Law enforcement authorities in Ferghana have arrested Mansur Aripov, known by the nickname "Mansur Kazansky," on suspicion of extorting US$200 thousand. According to the Internal Affairs Department of the Ferghana Region, a criminal case has been initiated under Article 165 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (extortion).
According to the department, Aripov agreed with a Tashkent resident to purchase a non-residential property valued at US$1.2 million.
The parties agreed that the purchase would be paid for through a bank loan secured by the property itself.
After notary registration of the property in his name, Aripov reviewed the credit terms and interest rates, after which he refused to obtain the loan. Instead of returning the property to its rightful owner, he allegedly demanded US$200 thousand for its re-registration back to the seller.
In addition, according to the department, Aripov and an accomplice born in 1968 exerted pressure on the victim's business partner. Specifically, they blackmailed him with compromising materials and threatened him with criminal prosecution.
During a joint operation by the Internal Affairs Department of the Ferghana Region and the State Security Service, Aripov was caught red-handed receiving US$100 thousand at a notary office on Burhoniddin Marginoni Street in Ferghana.
A criminal case has been launched under Article 165 of the Criminal Code. The suspects have been detained under procedural order.
Law enforcement agencies urged citizens who have suffered from the actions of these individuals to contact emergency number 102.
