Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Two men have been detained in Tashkent on suspicion of attempting to kidnap a person on behalf of a third party.
According to the press service of the Tashkent Main Department of Internal Affairs, the suspects were supposed to take the victim to the person who ordered the abduction, using force if necessary.
A citizen contacted the Operational Search Department, reporting that unknown individuals had abducted him in a car. He said he managed to resist and escape.
During an operational investigation, law enforcement officers detained two men aged 23 and 28. Both had previously been held criminally liable under Article 169 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which covers theft.
A search of the suspects’ vehicle revealed an axe in the boot. Investigators also found Telegram correspondence with the alleged organiser on the men’s phones.
According to investigators, the suspects admitted receiving instructions to deliver the complainant to the organiser by any means necessary.
The correspondence also discussed the planned abduction of another person. The suspects intended to take that individual by force and use a stun gun if he resisted. The second potential victim avoided the abduction because he had travelled on a business trip on the scheduled day.
A criminal case has been opened under paragraphs “b” and “c” of Part 2 of Article 137 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, concerning kidnapping committed by a group acting in prior agreement for mercenary or other base motives. The investigation is ongoing.
The Interior Ministry urged citizens to report cases of extortion involving violence or threats, as well as coercion into providing services free of charge.
The ministry assured the public that the confidentiality of complainants’ personal data is guaranteed.
