Criminal group caught stealing nearly 1 billion soums from bank cards

A criminal group accused of stealing nearly 1 billion soums by obtaining citizens’ bank card data through malicious software has been apprehended. The operation was reported by the Cybersecurity Center of the Rapid Investigation Department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to officials, the group distributed malicious APK files targeting Android devices via the Telegram messenger platform. These files allowed the perpetrators to access users’ SMS messages, contact lists, call histories, and other sensitive data. Using this access, they retrieved bank card information and confirmation codes to steal funds from victims’ accounts.

During a raid, it was discovered that the group consisted of individuals from various countries who operated a private Telegram group where the fraudulent activities were coordinated. Evidence found on seized devices showed that approximately 1 billion soums had been stolen from 177 different bank cards. Investigators also revealed that the group managed their scheme through an organized call center.

Efforts are currently underway to locate and identify other members of the group still at large in Uzbekistan. A criminal case has been opened under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and the suspects have been detained in accordance with legal procedures. The investigation remains ongoing.

It should be recalled that in a separate incident, a young man from the Namangan region who defrauded people by falsely promising to multiply their money was recently detained in Tashkent.