Authorities foil $600,000 scam involving mineral-rich state land

A private entrepreneur has been detained in Bukhara on suspicion of demanding $600,000 in exchange for facilitating the allocation of 290 hectares of state reserve land believed to contain gold and other precious metals, law enforcement authorities said.

The arrest followed a joint operation conducted by the Bukhara regional department of the State Security Service (SSS) and officers from the Department for Combating Economic Crimes.

According to investigators, the suspect, a 51-year-old entrepreneur, allegedly promised to help secure ownership of a 290-hectare plot of land located in Peshku district of Bukhara region. The land, which is part of the state reserve, is reported to contain deposits of gold and other valuable metals.

The man claimed he could arrange for the land to be formally allocated through auction procedures with the assistance of “influential officials” known to him. In return for this service, he allegedly demanded $600,000 from a 42-year-old resident of Shofirkon district.

During the operation, the suspect, who has previously been convicted multiple times for fraud, was apprehended while receiving an advance payment of $230,000 and UZS 840 million. He was detained at the scene, and the money was seized as material evidence.

A criminal case has been initiated against the suspect under Articles 25 and 168 (Part 4, Clause “a”) of the Criminal Code, relating to attempted large-scale fraud, as well as Articles 28 and 211 (Part 3, Clause “a”), concerning mediation in bribery. A pre-trial detention measure has been applied.

Investigative actions are ongoing.