Authorities in Uzbekistan have apprehended a criminal group accused of defrauding citizens by promising car deliveries at unusually low interest rates. The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the arrests in a recent statement.
The group allegedly established a network of limited liability companies in Tashkent and various regions throughout Uzbekistan, including Andijan, Namangan, Fergana, Syrdarya, Samarkand, Bukhara, Navoi, Khorezm, Surkhandarya, Kashkadarya provinces, and the city of Nukus. These companies operated under names such as “Umid avto companies,” “Umid Savdo Fayz Invest,” “Umid Avto Lizing,” “Umid Auto,” “Group Of Companies Ual,” “Umid Avto-Tashkent,” “Orient Auto,” “Umid Lizing Tashkent,” “Orient Avto-Lizing,” “Umid Auto Leasing,” “Group Of Orient Auto,” “Imkon Auto Xizmati,” “Umid Avto Companies,” “Busines Orientauto,” “Umid Auto Xizmati,” “Orient Auto Hamkor,” “Imkon Avto Markaz,” “Avtovariant,” “Ava Orientauto,” “Ava Umidavto,” “Avto Ijara Hizmati,” “Umid Auto Business Toshkent,” “Orient Auto Leasing,” “Orient Auto Toshkent,” “Ilgor Lizing,” and “Orient Finans Lizing,” among others. They allegedly enticed customers with promises of car deliveries at low interest rates (6–12%) and entered into preliminary (advance payment) agreements. However, the promised deliveries within 120 days were reportedly not fulfilled, and the funds received from citizens were misappropriated.
A criminal case has been initiated under points “a, v” of Part 4 of Article 168 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan. During the investigation, 843 citizens have been identified as victims, with total damages amounting to 50.1 billion soums. Authorities have seized 339 vehicles belonging to the organizations. Nine individuals have been charged and are being held in custody.
Currently, a Special Operational Headquarters has been established under the leadership of Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Colonel Ramazon Ashropov, with the involvement of relevant specialists. The headquarters operates daily from 09:00 to 21:00 in the building of the Department for Ensuring Security at Transport and Tourism Facilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Citizens who have information about the criminal activities of these individuals or who have been affected by the illegal activities of the aforementioned and other similar organizations are urged to contact the Operational Headquarters or call the short number 102.