Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In January 2024, Uzbek law enforcement authorities dismantled a major criminal group that defrauded Russian citizens through three call centers. The State Security Service (SSS) of Uzbekistan reported the operation.

The scheme was orchestrated by a native of Ferghana, born in 1986, who led a network of 32 individuals operating from two call centers in Fergana and one in Tashkent.

The fraudsters exploited personal data of Russian citizens who had previously purchased dietary supplements (BAAs) online. Posing as representatives of Russian investigative bodies or the Ministry of Finance, they offered victims compensation for alleged moral damages caused by BAA sellers.

To receive the payout, victims were asked to transfer funds to designated bank accounts, purportedly to cover income tax payments.

All 32 members of the criminal group have been detained, and criminal cases have been initiated under Article 168, Part 3 (fraud committed by a group of persons) and Article 278-2 (unauthorized access to computer information) of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. The investigation is currently ongoing.