Police lieutenant in Samarkand suspected of multi-million dollar fraud

A patrol car, a formal uniform, and a service ID card are typically symbols of law and order. However, in Samarkand, authorities are investigating allegations that these attributes were used as tools for a massive fraud scheme involving millions of dollars.

Dozens, and potentially over a hundred individuals in Toyloq district, fell victim to the promises of Bunyod Yazdonov, a lieutenant in the regional Traffic Safety Department. Yazdonov allegedly solicited vast sums of money by claiming he was funding a major construction project in Bukhara. The premise was simple: victims would provide cash or property with the promise of high returns. However, the situation eventually spiraled into what appears to be a sophisticated financial pyramid.

A Kun.uz investigation into the matter revealed the scale of the damage. One of the primary victims, Shakhriyor Oblokulov, a car dealer, stated that he trusted Yazdonov because he was a fellow villager and a high-ranking law enforcement officer. Initially, the inspector repaid small loans on time to build trust. Oblokulov eventually handed over his own vehicles and collected money and cars from acquaintances to provide to Yazdonov.

The scheme began to collapse in the autumn of 2025 as repayment deadlines were repeatedly missed. It soon emerged that Yazdonov had borrowed from a vast network of people. "Yazdonov and his associate, Shakhnoza Khushmurodova, gave me documents for a house and a shop as collateral, but they all turned out to be forgeries," Oblokulov said. He claims Yazdonov currently owes him $258,000, while Khushmurodova owes $35,000.

Another victim, Afzal Ganiev, reported that the lieutenant used his official service ID as collateral for loans. Ganiev held the document until the Traffic Safety Department contacted him, demanding its return under threat of prosecution. Yazdonov reportedly owes Ganiev $70,000. While exact figures are still being calculated, the total debt is estimated to run into millions of dollars.

The investigation has also shed light on the role of Shakhnoza Khushmurodova, whom victims describe as the lieutenant’s "older sister" or mentor. Audio recordings provided to Kun.uz show Khushmurodova taking responsibility for the debts, promising to pay even if Yazdonov fled. However, other recordings suggest she was involved in high-risk financial maneuvers and even threatened to stop payments if Yazdonov was imprisoned.

Although the incidents occurred in Samarkand, the legal proceedings have been moved to the Tashkent region, a move officials say ensures impartiality, though it has created logistical hurdles for the victims. The Samarkand Regional Internal Affairs Bureau confirmed that Bunyod Yazdonov was dismissed from service on November 12, 2025. In January 2026, a criminal case was initiated against him under Article 168 of the Criminal Code (Fraud).

Despite three months of investigation, victims report a lack of clear communication from authorities. Many have lost their livelihoods and health, and several report severe family turmoil as a result of their financial losses. Repeated attempts by Kun.uz to obtain a comment from Shokhrukh Giyosov, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, have been unsuccessful.

This case follows a similar investigation involving an inspector in Andijan region, who allegedly used his position to defraud people during car sales to fund online gambling. Kun.uz will continue to monitor the development of this case and provide updates as they become available.