Criminal group of 12 detained at “Farhod” auto parts market in Tashkent (video)

As part of ongoing operational-search measures aimed at improving the criminal situation in Tashkent and eliminating illegal activities, the State Security Service has dismantled a criminal group operating in the capital.

According to the official report, the group of 12 individuals was active at the “Automobile Spare Parts” market located on Farhod Street in the Uchtepa district. Members of the group reportedly installed various equipment on customers’ vehicles without prior consent or consultation and provided unauthorized technical services. Afterward, they extorted $13,300 from one customer, even though the actual market cost for such services was only $600. When the customer attempted to demand his rights, the group threatened him through intimidation.

In a similar incident, the group fitted spare parts onto another citizen’s car without his approval and then demanded a payment three times higher than the actual price. They also took the victim’s car keys and used pressure tactics to extort 15 million soums from him.

The State Security Service further revealed that the group defrauded two more citizens by collecting a total of 70 million soums for the installation of additional spare parts. However, they failed to deliver the promised services.

The detained individuals were born between 1988 and 2002, mostly in Tashkent, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya regions. A majority of them have previous criminal records.

A criminal case has been opened under Articles 165 (Extortion) and 168 (Fraud) of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan. A preventive measure of detention has been applied to all 12 individuals. Investigations are currently underway to identify other crimes committed by the group and to locate additional victims.

For reference, it should be noted that earlier, the deputy khokim of Beruni district in the Republic of Karakalpakstan was caught accepting a bribe.