State Security Service Uncovers Land Fraud Schemes and Detains Two Suspects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The State Security Service (SSS) has uncovered cases of legal violations during operations aimed at combating economic crimes, the agency’s press service reported.

In one case, a 1987-born resident of the Bandikhon district of Surkhandarya region exploited the trust of a citizen planning to start a livestock business. He demanded 1.5 billion soums in exchange for arranging, through his acquaintances in high positions, the allocation of 3.5 hectares of land from the district administration’s reserve in the citizen’s name.

During a joint operation conducted by the State Security Service and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor’s Office, the suspect was detained with material evidence while receiving US$110,000 and 100 million soums.

In another case in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, an entrepreneur engaged in agriculture in the Qonirat district took advantage of the trust of a resident of the Amudarya district, born in 1983.

The entrepreneur falsely claimed ownership of 169 hectares of land allocated for rabbit breeding in the Takhiaotash district and offered to sell 50 hectares at a price of US$1,000 per hectare, totaling US$50,000.

He was detained by State Security Service officers with material evidence at the time of receiving the money.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against both suspects under Part 4, Article 168(a) of the Criminal Code, and investigations are ongoing.