In Tashkent, law enforcement has apprehended members of a group who allegedly extorted money from a citizen by falsely portraying him as a drug dealer, threatening to publicly shame him online and kill him. The Interior Ministry reported the incident.

The victim approached the Operational Search Department of the Ministry, stating that he was pressured by a group of four individuals. The suspects reportedly used force, accused him of distributing narcotics, and coerced him into a video where he was presented as a 'drug courier.' They threatened to spread the video on the internet and social media to disgrace him, and also demanded $500 under threat of death.

During an operational search operation, the group members were detained. It was revealed that the suspects include two individuals born in 2006, as well as school students born in 2008 and 2009.

The suspects were arrested at a parking lot in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent while receiving $300 and 2.4 million soums from the victim.

Evidence seized from them includes $300, 2.4 million soums in cash, six mobile phones, a knife, and a sharp-bladed object.

The group leader has been charged under Part 2 of Article 165 (Extortion), Part 3 of Article 127 (Involvement of a Minor in Antisocial Behavior), and Part 1 of Article 112 (Threat of Murder or Use of Violence) of the Criminal Code.

The other three suspects have been charged under Part 2 of Article 165. Investigation is ongoing.

Source: www.gazeta.uz