Uzbekistan Police Warn of Rising Fraud Schemes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Uzbekistan has reported an increase in fraud cases involving individuals posing as law enforcement officers or claiming “connections in the system” to offer citizens illegal services for a fee.

According to the MIA’s Main Directorate for Internal Security, several incidents were recorded in March 2026. On 17 March, a person was detained for receiving US$1,800 in exchange for promising assistance in obtaining government license plates with “special” numbers, allegedly through contacts in the capital’s traffic police department (UBDD).

On 24 March, another individual was detained for receiving 6 million soums in exchange for promising not to hold someone accountable for a traffic accident and to help retrieve a vehicle from the impound lot, also citing “connections” in the UBDD system.

Additionally, on 21 March, a case of phone fraud was reported: a fraudster, claiming to be an officer of the Cybersecurity Department of the Ferghana Region Police, obtained 2.5 million soums from a citizen via bank card under the pretext of a supposed complaint.

Criminal cases have been initiated under Article 168, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (fraud). Investigations confirmed that the detained individuals are not affiliated with law enforcement, and their actions aimed to mislead citizens and undermine trust in state institutions.

The MIA emphasizes that law enforcement officers do not provide paid “services to resolve issues,” and any such offers are fraudulent. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity via the hotline 1102 or to the Main Directorate for Internal Security. Confidentiality is guaranteed.