Additional details released in Taftish.uz case (video)

Earlier, it was reported that four employees of the Taftish.uz website had been detained on suspicion of extortion and fraud. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has now provided additional information regarding the case.

According to the statement, based on complaints filed by 27 citizens, criminal cases have been initiated in 21 instances by the Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan and its subordinate units. The cases involve alleged criminal elements under Articles 168 (fraud), 165 (extortion), 139 (defamation), and 244-6 (dissemination of false information) of the Criminal Code. Preliminary investigative actions are currently underway.

It was reported that today, January 16, at around 11:00 a.m., five individuals were formally involved in the case as suspects in accordance with procedural requirements. They are Gairat Nusratovich Abiraev, born in 1988; Marjona Sherali qizi Eshquvvatova, born in 2006; Azizjon Bahromjonovich Yoldoshov, born in 1992; Dilshod Tohirovich Nishonov, born in 1998; and Sardor Muhsin o‘g‘li Hamidov, born in 2000.

The decision to involve these individuals as suspects was based on citizens’ complaints, audio and video recordings submitted to the investigation, forensic examination findings, witness testimonies, and other evidence.

It was stated that the Investigation Department head has taken personal control of ensuring a thorough, comprehensive, and impartial investigation of the case. This includes a full and objective review of the actions of all individuals involved, the protection of their legal rights, and the verification of all circumstances subject to proof.

The statement emphasized that the criminal case is not directed against any mass media outlet or representatives of social networks. Rather, preliminary investigative actions are being conducted to provide a legal assessment of the actions of certain individuals based on citizens’ complaints.

Citizens have been urged not to disseminate unverified or unsubstantiated information that has not been published through the official channels of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.