Fake prosecutor arrested after allegedly pocketing UZS 1.7 billion, $95,000, and luxury assets

According to investigators, the suspect, identified by his initials A. A., established rapport with two individuals, B. M. and S. Sh., by convincing them of a highly lucrative business opportunity. He claimed he could source heavily discounted wheat products and process them for a massive return. Enticed by the prospective margins, the victims handed over UZS 1.7 billion, which the suspect promptly embezzled.

In a separate corporate scheme, A. A. discovered that a Tashkent city administration decision granting 50 square meters of land in the Yakkasaray district to a local limited liability company had been overturned by the Supreme Court. Approaching the company’s director, M. T., under his assumed prosecutor persona, the suspect promised to pull bureaucratic strings and reinstate the land rights in exchange for $95,000.

The investigation also revealed that the suspect actively used social media platforms to hunt for potential targets. Connecting with a citizen named I. N. on Facebook, A. A. reiterated his false employment status at the Prosecutor General's Office and offered to orchestrate a vehicle swap. He promised to trade the victim's 2014 Chevrolet Cobalt for a brand-new Chevrolet Gentra. Instead, the suspect took possession of the Cobalt, sold it off to a third party, and spent the proceeds on personal luxuries.

Beyond financial swindles, the suspect allegedly engaged in targeted burglary. After developing a close personal acquaintance with a victim identified as A. K., the suspect managed to surreptitiously duplicate the keys to the victim's apartment in the Yunusabad district. Waiting until the homeowner left the country on a trip, A. A. entered the residence and stole a substantial collection of gold jewelry.

Formal charges encompassing fraud, grand theft, and other offenses under the Criminal Code were filed against A. A. on June 18, 2026. A court has since approved a restrictive measure ordering him to be held in pre-trial detention.

Given the calculated nature of the operations, the Prosecutor General’s Office suspects there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. The agency has urged anyone affected by the suspect or possessing relevant information to contact their official helpline at 1161.