Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Police in Tashkent region detained an 18-year-old resident of Syrdarya region suspected of involvement in 11 cases of online fraud that caused losses estimated at 10.6 million soums, the regional police department’s cybercrime unit said.
According to the department, the young man had previously been brought before a court several times under Article 168 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which covers fraud.
To deceive buyers, the suspect allegedly created fake accounts on Instagram and Telegram. He posted advertisements offering car parts and accessories, phones supposedly imported from Dubai and South Korea, and other goods at unusually low prices.
After receiving advance payments, he stopped communicating with customers. He reportedly used several telephone numbers registered in the names of acquaintances to create accounts and contact buyers.
The advertisements included videos filmed at markets and shops. Investigators believe the footage was intended to make customers think the goods were genuinely available.
One of the victims was a resident of Nurafshan. He contacted law enforcement after transferring 1.94 million soums to the suspect for car parts that were never delivered.
In a video released by the regional police department, the detained man said he had bought an Instagram account with 950 followers and posted advertisements offering inexpensive car brake pads.
He said customers had transferred amounts ranging from 300,000 to 2 million soums. He was unable to deliver the goods they had ordered.
The regional police department urged the public to exercise caution when shopping online and to check sellers before transferring money.
