Uzbek suspect in human trafficking was deported from Turkey

Earlier reports indicated that Ozod Sadullayevich Rahimov, born in Samarkand in 1979 and accused of fraud and human trafficking, was arrested in Istanbul's Fatih district. On May 23, he was deported to Uzbekistan, according to the Uzbek Consulate General in Istanbul.

Rahimov is accused of embezzling significant amounts of money from citizens in the Samarkand region. During his time in Istanbul between 2022 and 2023, he allegedly sent several Uzbek and Tajik citizens to Turkey and Spain. He is also accused of fraudulently collecting $10,000 to $15,000 from each person, promising to send them to the USA via Nicaragua and Mexico, but instead using the funds for his personal gain.

Victims of Rahimov's actions are urged to contact the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul or the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Uzbekistan.

"The pursuit of criminal prosecution for individuals evading justice, including those hiding in Turkey, will continue relentlessly, ensuring accountability for crimes," stated the report.

Additionally, the Consulate General has advised citizens to be cautious of fraudsters, noting an increase in fraudulent visa schemes for the USA, Canada, and European countries.

Previously, a 21-year-old Uzbek citizen wanted for human trafficking was arrested in Kirov, Russia.