Tashkent resident defrauded of 170 million UZS in cyber loan scheme

S. Turgunov, a resident of the Uchtepa district of Tashkent, became a victim of fraudsters on May 24, 2024.

A total of 168.9 million UZS in online loans were taken in his name from five banks:

• 50 million UZS from Anorbank;
• 50 million UZS from Asakabank;
• 50 million UZS from Aloqabank;
• 13.9 million UZS from Ipak Yuli Bank;
• 5 million UZS from TBC Bank.

The victim filed a complaint with the Department for Combating Cybercrime of the Tashkent City Internal Affairs Directorate. A criminal case has been initiated, and S. Turgunov has been recognized as a victim under Articles 55 and 57 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

“I work in a government job. After my shift, I came home. Around 14:00 on May 24, I was the target of a cyberattack. I learned about it later. In total, 14 banks were requested for loans in my name, and five banks granted them. The loans were processed at almost the same time from each bank. I only have a plastic card from Ipak Yuli Bank and have not opened any accounts or used apps from the other banks.

I have never taken a loan from any bank before. My monthly salary is also not high, between 4-5 million UZS. That is, my income does not meet the criteria for obtaining such a large amount of credit, as I found out upon investigation. I have filed complaints with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Central Bank asking for an internal investigation at the banks,” the victim told Kun.uz reporter.

According to him, the investigator has issued orders to the banks to temporarily suspend the calculation of the principal debt, interest, and penalties on the disputed loans until the criminal is identified. The victim added that there is evidence that the banks have accepted copies of these orders.

“Now the banks are constantly calling and demanding payment. Letters have also arrived at my home. They are pressuring me from all sides. Imagine, if you want to take a loan of 5 million UZS, they ask for ten documents. They should at least check the salary. The banks are saying to keep making payments and the money will be returned after the court. My father is a second-degree disabled person, and I have three minor children under my care. I have no way to make payments,” said the victim.

In the letter sent to Kun.uz, S. Turgunov mentioned that the banks are not complying with the investigator's legal requirements. Specifically, one bank's response stated that it would only comply with a court decision and that the investigator's orders are not mandatory for them. However, according to Article 36 of the Criminal Procedure Code, written orders and decisions issued by the investigator regarding the case under their investigation are mandatory for all enterprises, institutions, organizations, officials, and citizens.

What do the banks say?

The requirements for obtaining credit can vary from bank to bank, but there are some common requirements. For example, to formalize a loan, a selfie photo with an identity document must be provided, and this photo must match the one in the database. The borrower must have an official income, and half of this income must cover the monthly loan payment. If the borrower does not meet these requirements, the bank should reject the loan.

To clarify the situation, a Kun.uz reporter contacted the information services of the mentioned banks. According to Aloqabank's information service, obtaining an online loan from the bank is quite complicated, involving a 4-5 step verification process.

“S. Turgunov passed the identification process and even took a photo while sitting in a car. He linked his salary card to the app. Everything was confirmed. Our security department conducted a check,” said the head of Aloqabank's information service.

Asakabank's press service stated that the applicant's salary was entered as more than 6 million UZS, and the loan was granted after fulfilling the required obligations. Anorbank's information service stated that the applicant identified himself and formalized the microloan, uploading a photo taken on the street to the app.