Tashkent Travel Manager Arrested Over Illegal Foreign Employment Scheme

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Officers from the State Security Service (SSS) Tashkent Department, in coordination with the Department for Combatting Economic Crimes, arrested a travel agency manager in the Chilanzar district of Tashkent for fraudulently offering illegal overseas employment services.

According to law enforcement authorities, the suspect worked as a manager at a local tourism company that lacked the statutory authorization to conduct labor recruitment operations abroad. Investigators established that the individual demanded US$3,000 and 2.5 million soums from a resident of Samarkand region in exchange for arranging employment in Slovakia and facilitating a visa application.

Law enforcement personnel apprehended the suspect during a sting operation while receiving an initial installment of US$1,000 and 2.5 million soums as physical evidence.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the detainee, and an investigation remains ongoing. The State Security Service reminded citizens to report fraudulent labor recruitment practices via the hotline number 1520, assuring full confidentiality for reporting parties.