Uzbek Authorities Detain Suspect Attempting to Fraudulently Obtain US$600,000 for Access to Gold-Bearing Land

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In the Sirdaryo region, law enforcement detained a fraudster who demanded US$600,000.

The suspect, a private entrepreneur born in 1973 and residing in Sirdaryo district, promised a resident of Shafirkan district in Bukhara region (born 1983) assistance in acquiring a 290-hectare land plot through auction.

The plot, part of the state reserve, is located in Peshkun district of Bukhara region, an area known for gold and other precious metals.

Claiming to have connections among officials, the perpetrator demanded US$600,000 for his “services.”

During an operation conducted by the State Security Service’s Bukhara regional office in cooperation with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the repeat offender was caught in the act while receiving US$230,000 and 840 million soums.

The funds were seized as material evidence.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 168, Part 4(a), and Article 211, Part 3(a) of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, with application of Articles 25 and 28. The suspect has been remanded in custody.

Investigations are ongoing.