Two fake realtors detained in Tashkent for collecting advance payments for cheap rentals

The scheme involving cheap rental listings

Two people suspected of fraud related to housing rentals have been detained in the Bektemir district of Tashkent via the OLX platform and Telegram. This was reported by the Cybercrime Combating Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, whose statement was cited by Gazeta.uz and Zamon.uz. According to the agency, 26-year-old Sardor and 29-year-old Khurshid posted rental listings at prices significantly below market rates, and in phone calls and correspondence posed as property owners, realtors, or brokers.

Victims and seized evidence

After receiving advance payments from those interested in renting, the suspects cut off contact. As a result, more than 10 citizens were defrauded. During an operation, eight mobile phones, 15 SIM cards, and 16 bank cards found to be involved in the crime were seized. Based on this incident, a criminal case has been opened under Part 3 of Article 168 (fraud) of the Criminal Code.

What renters should know

The scheme itself is noteworthy: a noticeably reduced rental price was used as bait, and communication was conducted exclusively remotely — through listings and messaging, with no viewing of the property. The 15 SIM cards and 16 bank cards seized from the two suspects indicate that, according to the investigation, communication with victims and payment collection were spread across multiple numbers and accounts — this makes it harder for victims to trace payments. The Ministry of Internal Affairs' statements do not disclose the amount of damage or the dates of the detentions; these details remain unknown.