Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Officers of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, have detained individuals suspected of fraud related to promises of arranging a large loan.

In Tashkent, a previously convicted woman born in 1979, who heads a limited liability company engaged in trading activities, was detained. Exploiting the trust of a resident of the Kibrai district, she promised, with the alleged assistance of her influential connections, to arrange a non-purpose loan of US$3 million from one of the joint-stock commercial banks. For her "services," she demanded 33 percent of the amount — US$990,000.

During an operational action, the suspect was caught red-handed receiving US$150,000 as an advance payment. In the same operation, the main organizer of the fraudulent scheme was also detained — a resident of Urgench born in 1983. He pretended to be a bank employee and assured the victim of assistance in obtaining the large loan.

A criminal case has been initiated against the detainees under Articles 168 (fraud) and 211 (bribery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The court has imposed detention as a preventive measure. Investigative actions are ongoing.