The key facts

  • An 18-year-old resident previously convicted of fraud under Article 168 of the Criminal Code has been detained
  • He posted ads selling car parts and phones “from Dubai” and “from Korea,” took prepayment and disappeared
  • Damage from 11 episodes is 10.6 million soums; one victim transferred 1.94 million soums for car parts

Detention and the scheme

In Tashkent region, an 18-year-old native of Syrdarya region has been detained, suspected of involvement in 11 previously unsolved cases of online fraud. This was reported by the cyberpolice department of the regional police department (UVD), as retold by Gazeta.uz. According to the department, the young man had previously been convicted several times under Article 168 of the Criminal Code (fraud).

How the scheme worked

According to the investigation, the suspect created fake accounts on Instagram and Telegram and posted ads there selling car parts and accessories, as well as phones allegedly brought “from Dubai” and “from Korea,” at low prices. After receiving prepayment, he cut off contact with buyers. He used several phone numbers registered in the names of acquaintances for communication, and attached videos filmed at markets and in stores to his posts — this created the appearance of real goods.

Damage and confession

The total damage from the 11 episodes is estimated at 10.6 million soums. One of the victims was a resident of Nurafshan: he transferred 1.94 million soums to the suspect’s card for car parts but never received the goods, after which he turned to law enforcement. In a video released by the UVD, the suspect himself said that he bought an Instagram account with 950 followers and posted ads there selling cheap brake pads; victims transferred him from 300,000 to 2 million soums, and, according to him, he “did not deliver” the goods. The department urged citizens to be careful when shopping online.