Tashkent court sentences three for defrauding 140 citizens with fake European job offers

According to the press service of the Agency for External Labor Migration, the court found three individuals – one woman and two men – guilty of orchestrating an elaborate fraud scheme.

The investigation revealed that starting in January 2023, the perpetrators established several front companies in the Chilonzor district of Tashkent. They lured victims through aggressive social media advertising on platforms like Instagram, promising high-paying jobs in European nations including Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Croatia. Potential workers were promised monthly salaries ranging from €1,000 to over €5,000, along with additional pay for weekend shifts.

To bolster the perceived legitimacy of their services, the group utilized advertisements featuring popular bloggers and media personalities. These influencers assured the public of the companies' reliability and promised departure within three months. The organizers entered into fraudulent contracts with clients, claiming they would handle all visa documentation and even provide accompaniment until the clients were successfully placed in their new roles. They further guaranteed full refunds if any issues arose.

The financial impact on the victims was devastating. One family reportedly paid $5,000 for five members, while other individuals paid upwards of $3,500 each, often selling personal property and jewelry to afford the fees. However, after waiting six to seven months, the victims realized they had been scammed. Communication with the organizers became impossible, and the promised refunds never materialized, with some victims waiting over two years for their money.

During the trial, the defendants expressed regret, claiming the misappropriated funds were used for staff salaries and various personal business expenses. They requested non-custodial sentences; however, the court found them guilty under Article 168, Part 3, Clause "b" of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, which pertains to large-scale fraud. Two of the defendants were sentenced to seven years in prison, while the third received a five-year sentence.

The Agency for External Labor Migration continues to urge citizens to use only licensed recruitment organizations and to verify the authenticity of employment offers before making any financial commitments.