Fraudsters soliciting charity donations detained in Tashkent (video)

A video recently circulated on social media showing several individuals allegedly speaking to people under the guise of conducting interviews while fraudulently collecting money. The footage caused a public outcry. The Tashkent City Department of Internal Affairs has released a statement on the matter.

According to the department, a swift investigation was carried out by the Criminal Investigation Division of the Tashkent City Internal Affairs Department and the Chilonzor District Police.

Three individuals suspected of being involved in the case have been detained. They reportedly approached citizens pretending to conduct interviews, then solicited money under pretenses, such as for mosque construction or assistance to people with disabilities. During the operation, cash was seized from the suspects as material evidence in the presence of witnesses.

“In most cases, we asked for donations while exiting the ‘Xalqlar Do‘stligi’ metro station or inside Magic City. We would say things like, ‘Would you like to contribute to a good cause?’” one of the detained individuals admitted.

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 168 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Fraud). The suspects are currently standing trial.

Authorities have urged citizens not to give money to such individuals and to immediately report similar cases to law enforcement agencies.

As previously reported, these individuals had already been detained. Among them are Sh.S. (born in 2004), S.S. (born in 2001), and T.A. (born in 2004).