In recent years, online shopping and electronic payments have occupied an important place in our lives, while it is observed that individuals abuse these opportunities, which is fixed. Especially on the eve of the holidays, cases of deception of citizens under the pretext of low prices and large discounts, including speaking on behalf of government agencies, have become more frequent.
One of these cases was identified during the next operational search event. The activities of a criminal group that opened fake channels and groups on behalf of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and embezzled funds were suppressed on the Telegram and Instagram social networks.
According to preliminary data, five residents of the Andijan region between the ages of 22 and 25 have been committing criminal acts by prior agreement since the beginning of this year. They created channels and groups called "Musodara tovarlar" ("Confiscated Goods"). and a "Wholesale warehouse" using about ten fake accounts, posing as customs officers.
The scammers offered household appliances, furniture, gadgets, including the latest iPhone models, as well as clothes at very low prices. They even promised delivery of virtually non-existent scooters. Funds were accepted through bank cards issued to other persons.
During the inspections, it was found that the criminal group deceived 60 citizens and embezzled a total of 117 million soums. Victims who demanded goods or tried to reconnect were blacklisted on social media and ignored.
According to this fact, a criminal case has been opened against the perpetrators under paragraphs "b" and "d" of part 3 of Article 168 of the Criminal Code, and a preventive measure in the form of detention has been applied to them. Investigative actions are currently underway and measures are being taken to compensate for the material damage caused.
