Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A man was detained in Uzbekistan’s Asaka district while attempting to sell counterfeit banknotes with a total face value of 297 million soums for 148 million soums. The State Security Service of Uzbekistan reported this.
The detention took place during an operational operation conducted by officers of the State Security Service departments for Tashkent city and Tashkent region.
The man was detained with material evidence while selling counterfeit 100,000- and 200,000-soum banknotes to a conditional buyer.
According to the State Security Service, the detainee was born in 1987 and lives in Asaka district. He had previously been convicted of a crime related to fraud.
Following the detention, operational measures continued. During a search of his residence, officers found and formally seized a computer system and an Epson printer that had been used to produce counterfeit banknotes.
The house also contained partially completed counterfeit 50,000- and 100,000-soum banknotes printed on special A4 paper, as well as paper-cutting equipment.
A criminal case has been opened against the detainee and other individuals over the incident. The case was classified under Article 176, Part 3, Clause “a” of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code.
Investigators are working to identify possible accomplices and other individuals linked to the illegal activity.
Under current legislation, such offences are punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The State Security Service urged citizens to report similar offences by calling the short number 1520. The agency said the confidentiality of those making reports is guaranteed.
