In a major operation under the 'Safe and Healthy Country' initiative, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service of Uzbekistan have dismantled a large-scale cyber fraud network operating in Tashkent.
According to preliminary investigations, the criminal network defrauded foreign citizens by offering high-yield investment and cryptocurrency projects, subsequently embezzling their funds. They recruited young people fluent in foreign languages, including students from prestigious universities, each making hundreds of calls daily.
Two large fraudulent call centers were uncovered in Tashkent. During a raid on the sixth floor of a business center in the Yashnabad district, 97 individuals were found, including five foreign nationals. On the 11th floor of another business center in the Yakkasaray district, a second call center was discovered with 34 employees, including three foreign citizens.
The investigation revealed a structured hierarchy within the call centers, including leaders, organizers, assistants, team leads, and operators. They created phishing links promising up to 70% monthly returns and used spoofed phone numbers to call citizens of Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and other countries. Posing as traders, the scammers convinced victims to transfer cryptoassets as supposed investments.
Employees were trained to follow strict conspiracy rules, using pseudonyms when communicating with foreign clients. Access to the offices was tightly controlled, with security guards stationed at the doors at all times.
During the operation, authorities seized hundreds of computers, mobile phones, hard drives, safes, and other equipment.
The investigation identified a foreign national as the scheme's organizer, operating jointly with a citizen of Uzbekistan. Both alleged leaders of the criminal group, along with eight other key suspects linked to the call centers, have been arrested.
Additionally, 10 more suspects have been taken into custody, while operational and investigative measures are ongoing against the remaining 111 individuals.
A criminal case has been initiated, and investigative actions are underway. Requests are being prepared through the Ministry of Internal Affairs' International Cooperation Department and the National Central Bureau of Interpol to countries in Europe and North America.
Source: uznews.uz