Criminal case launched against "Whats" pyramid scheme organizers

According to a statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), individuals who orchestrated the financial pyramid under the name "Whats" misled the public by promising to double their money in a short period. The scheme involved convincing participants to invest between $120 and $17,000 to purchase "steps" on the platform. Additionally, participants were encouraged to recruit others in exchange for a 12% bonus and to earn money by liking foreign films daily. The platform's promotion was widely spread across social media, with local bloggers and influencers contributing to its popularity.

Through rapid technical measures, authorities uncovered that the platform, which defrauded a large number of citizens, was actively promoted across various regions of Uzbekistan, including Samarkand, Bukhara, Navoiy, and Karakalpakstan. The platform gained momentum with support from local bloggers and influencers, who helped attract more victims.

The MIA’s Department of Criminal Investigation and Cybersecurity Center, in collaboration with local units, identified and apprehended key individuals involved in the operation of the fraudulent platform. In one case, a 30-year-old individual in Bukhara was discovered promoting the platform’s membership and purported earning opportunities at a local shopping center.

It was revealed that the platform’s organizers frequently used funds to host social events and publicize charitable activities, further luring unsuspecting victims into joining the scheme. As a result, the number of participants and victims surged.

Since August 22, over 500 complaints have been filed with law enforcement regarding "Whats," with losses totaling approximately 4 billion UZS. The MIA's Investigation Department has now initiated a formal criminal investigation into the case.

Kun.uz had previously issued a warning two months ago, uncovering that "Whats" was a financial pyramid and cautioning the public that thousands of Uzbeks could fall prey to the scam. The platform followed the same fraudulent model as the earlier "Aif" platform, which also led to a criminal case after deceiving numerous people.

As "Whats" and "Aif" disappeared, another similar platform, "HNK," emerged. It was discovered that HNK was being promoted through various channels, including television, newspapers, and local communities. The scheme even reached schools and kindergartens, leading to the dismissal of a school principal and a kindergarten director for allowing such promotions. However, law enforcement has yet to issue a statement regarding the HNK platform.