Court issues verdict against Umid Avto associates for large-scale fraud

The Yunusabad District Court for Criminal Affairs has concluded the trial of 14 individuals involved in the notorious “Umid Avto” case. Presided over by Judge Shamsiddin Tojiev, the court delivered sentences to a group that systematically deceived hundreds of citizens across Uzbekistan by promising low-interest car purchases.

According to a Kun.uz correspondent present at the hearing, the defendants were initially charged across 987 separate episodes with total damages estimated at UZS 88.5 billion. During the proceedings, the court acquitted the defendants on 130 episodes, while some victims withdrew their claims. Ultimately, the court ordered the recovery of over UZS 60 billion for victims across 834 episodes, with each defendant held responsible for the specific damages related to their crimes.

The ringleaders and associates received varying prison terms under Article 168, Part 4, Clauses “a” and “v” of the Criminal Code, which pertains to fraud committed on an especially large scale by an organized group. Dilshod Kadirov and Abdumannop Abdurakhmonov, identified as key figures, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, taking into account previous sentences from other criminal cases.

Other defendants received substantial prison terms as follows: Mirqodir Rakhimov was sentenced to 9 years, while Ibrokhim Abdukhakimov, Ikhtiyor Saidov, Akrom Toirjonov, Shukurullo Mukhammadjonov, Sarvar Talatov, Iskandar Ismoilov, and Ogabek Toshtemirov each received 8-year sentences. Additionally, Mukhammadmuso Nigmonjonov was sentenced to 8 years and fined 410 times the Base Calculating Amount (BCA).

The court also sentenced Umidabonu Khudoyberdieva to 5 years, Shukhratjon Nematov to 6.5 years, and Mirjalol Makhmudov to 6 years of imprisonment.

The criminal activity involved the creation of more than 20 limited liability companies across various regions of Uzbekistan, including “Umid Avto Companies,” “Umid Savdo Fayz Invest,” “Umid Avto Leasing,” and “Umid Auto.” These entities utilized social media to promote false promises of delivering any type of vehicle at low interest rates, which was a front for misappropriating public funds.

The head of Umid Avto, Abdumannop Abdurakhmonov, was originally taken into custody in early January 2025. By late June 2025, law enforcement had apprehended the entire group for defrauding over 840 people. In previous comments to Kun.uz, Abdurakhmonov attempted to justify the failure to deliver vehicles by citing the widespread closure of dozens of leasing companies between 2022-2023. However, the court found the operations to be a coordinated criminal scheme aimed at large-scale embezzlement.