“Halal Auto Leasing” faces fraud probe after Kun.uz investigation

Law enforcement authorities have launched a criminal investigation into “Halal Auto Leasing Company” LLC following allegations of fraud that surfaced after a Kun.uz investigation.

On December 5, the company’s office was sealed by the Investigative Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) as part of the ongoing investigation. The firm, which is no longer operational, had reportedly deceived customers by promising vehicles on favorable terms, including direct factory connections, minimal down payments, and low interest rates.

Questionable practices uncovered

Operating under the guise of Islamic financial principles, “Halal Auto Leasing” claimed to offer vehicles with a 20% down payment and an annual 7% markup. Managers further assured potential clients that the company had direct ties with automobile manufacturers in China and received foreign investments at a 1% interest rate, enabling them to purchase vehicles upfront from factories.

The promises, which were unrealistic within Uzbekistan's economic framework, lured over 100 customers within just 16 days of the company’s registration on October 31. By the time the investigation began and the office was sealed, the number of contracts signed may have increased further.

Victims speak out

Several customers have come forward with complaints. A resident of Andijan district reported paying nearly 43 million UZS for two Damas vehicles but has been unable to contact the company for five days. "I used to communicate with someone named Ibrohim, but now he doesn’t respond. I don’t know if the company is still operating or shut down," the customer said.

Another victim from Samarkand reported signing a contract for a Kia Sonet and paying an initial 50 million UZS, only for the company’s staff to disappear.

Investigation in progress

The case is being handled by investigator Shahriddin Hojimurodov of the MIA’s Investigative Department. Contact details, including the investigator's phone number, were displayed on the sealed office notice. Despite multiple inquiries by Kun.uz, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has not provided details about the investigation.