Samarkand Tour Firm Head Detained for Attempting to Illegally Send Citizens to U.S. via Mexico

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Samarkand have foiled an attempt to illegally send citizens to the United States through Mexico.

According to available information, the head of a local travel agency gained the trust of three residents of Samarkand and Urgut district. After preparing the necessary documents, he demanded US$32,000 from each — totaling US$96,000 — to arrange their transit to America via Mexico.

During an operation conducted by the State Security Service in cooperation with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the suspect was detained while receiving an advance payment of US$15,000.

A criminal case has been opened against him under paragraph “a,” part 4, article 25,168 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan. Investigative actions are underway.