In July 2025, authorities detained individuals suspected of extortion and fraud at the Farhod car parts market in the Uchtepa district of Tashkent. Initially reported as 12 suspects, the number later grew to 14.

According to the investigation, group members installed various equipment and performed technical services on customers' vehicles without their consent or prior agreement. Despite the market price of such services being $600, they extorted $13,300 from one victim. When the customer objected, the perpetrators resorted to threats and intimidation.

In another similar incident, the criminal group installed spare parts on another citizen's car without permission and demanded three times the market price. They took the car keys and, through coercion, extorted 15 million soums.

On June 29, the Uchtepa District Criminal Court pronounced a verdict against the 14 defendants. Depending on the severity of their crimes, they were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 3 to 6.5 years.

Some defendants, due to prior convictions, will serve their sentences in strict-regime colonies, while others will serve in general-regime colonies. The presiding judge explained the verdict and the procedure for appeal.

Source: www.gazeta.uz