The State Security Service (SGB) and Main Internal Affairs Department (GUVB) of Tashkent have uncovered a criminal group involved in the illegal circulation of crypto assets.

The suspects operated an investment platform advertised on social media using images of government officials, celebrities, and even the president to lure victims into investing money.

The volume of P2P transactions and illegal cryptocurrency turnover conducted by the suspects exceeded 1.5 million USDT.

Investigators also found that the group fraudulently recruited over 100 citizens of Uzbekistan, transported them to Kazakhstan for a fee, and opened bank accounts in their names for further use in cryptocurrency operations.

The investigation revealed that foreign fraudsters were behind the criminal scheme, but the direct perpetrators were Uzbek citizens.

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 278-8, Part 3, Clause "a" of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (Violation of legislation in the sphere of crypto asset circulation committed on an especially large scale). The sanction provides for imprisonment from 3 to 5 years.

The suspects have been remanded in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

Source: uznews.uz