Authorities in Uzbekistan's Andijan region have uncovered a massive fraud scheme involving the embezzlement of 38.3 billion soums (approximately $3.5 million) in cashback payments. The Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor's Office announced the discovery.

According to investigators, a citizen identified as Yo.Q. and his accomplices conspired to create fake documents under the names of five limited liability companies. They fabricated electronic invoices indicating the delivery of goods worth 2.2 trillion soums from other enterprises.

Subsequently, counterfeit purchase receipts were generated, falsely showing that these goods were sold to the public via cash register machines. As a result, 94,921 citizens (including those registered in the Social Protection Registry) were credited with cashback totaling 38.3 billion soums through the Soliq mobile app. The funds were then stolen through misappropriation and embezzlement.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the group members under Articles 167 (Theft by misappropriation or embezzlement) and 228 (Forgery, sale, or use of documents, stamps, seals, or blanks) of the Criminal Code. Investigative actions are currently underway.

Source: www.gazeta.uz