How the scheme operated
According to the verdict, the group was led by 44-year-old J.N., a resident of Syrdarya region who had previously been convicted of fraud and other crimes.
Other members included 41-year-old Sh.M. and 42-year-old M.Z. from Andijan region, 51-year-old D.J. from Jizzakh region, and several others.
The group's activities followed a coordinated scheme. J.N. presented himself as a person with close connections to the president's family, while the other members were responsible for finding clients by promising to resolve various issues for payment through their alleged high-level contact.
For example, M.Z. would approach potential clients and claim that their problems could be solved through J.N., who was introduced as someone close to the president's family. The clients were then referred directly to J.N.
Using this method, the group deceived multiple victims over several years.
$25,000 demanded for a government position
One of the earliest documented cases dates back to the spring of 2021, when the group persuaded a man identified as M.D. that they could secure his appointment as head of the state-owned enterprise responsible for regular bridge maintenance in Asaka district.
They demanded $25,000 for the appointment and insisted on an advance payment of $10,000.
During their meetings, J.N. introduced himself as a person close to the president's family and threatened M.D., saying that refusing to pay could have negative consequences for him and his relatives.
As a result, M.D. sold his Chevrolet Captiva for $10,000. The money was obtained through extortion and later spent on the group's personal needs, according to the verdict.
Promise of an UZS 280 billion railway contract
In December 2022, the group targeted businessman D.D., who imported spare parts for trains and railway carriages from abroad.
They promised to arrange a contract worth UZS 280 billion with the national railway company, Uzbekistan Railways, for the supply of spare parts. Through fraudulent means, they collected a total of $119,500 from the businessman in several payments and spent the money for personal purposes.
