The Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan has reported the discovery of fraudulent schemes in six regions of the country, where citizens were illegally charged money under the pretense of securing employment in South Korea. The scams have resulted in significant financial losses for the victims.
In the Tashkent region, a citizen identified as T.T. gained the trust of 12 individuals, promising to send them to work in Korea, and fraudulently obtained $38,000. The money was then handed over to A.A., a former employee of the Migration Agency who had prior convictions for fraud and bribery. Investigative actions are ongoing.
In the city of Margilan, Fergana region, a previously convicted individual, I.R., promised two citizens employment in Korea and fraudulently obtained $3,500. Of this amount, 3 million soms were returned through procedural measures.
In the Dehqonobod district of Kashkadarya region, I.X. and A.K., both previously convicted for fraud, used contacts in a migration agency to promise citizen B.T. a job in Korea, obtaining $2,000 and 36 million soms.
In the city of Khanabad, Andijan region, previously convicted A.A. promised three citizens visa assistance for work in Korea, obtaining $2,500 and 11 million soms. Of this, $1,000 was returned.
In the Dustlik district of Jizzakh region, previously convicted Yu.L. promised to send a citizen to Korea through acquaintances in the Migration Agency for $11,000, managing to obtain $2,300.
In the Bogot district of Khorezm region, citizen X.K. promised to help citizen A.A. pass exams for working in Korea for $3,500, fraudulently obtaining $1,000.
Criminal cases have been initiated under relevant articles of the Criminal Code for all incidents. Earlier, similar fraud cases were uncovered in four regions. In May, an organized group of former officials from the Migration Agency and employment agencies was exposed, suspected of illegally obtaining $90 million. Currently, over 800 victim complaints are being investigated.
Additionally, former department head of the Migration Agency, Azizbek Toshtemirov, has been placed on Interpol's wanted list with a 'Red Notice' for alleged fraud.
Source: www.gazeta.uz