Over 200 Arrested in Fake “Alisher Usmanov Promotion” Telegram Group Scam
Seven young men between the ages of 18 and 25 have been apprehended in Akhangaran for running a fraudulent scheme that involved creating over 200 Telegram groups under the guise of “Alisher Usmanov Promotion.” The Tashkent Regional Department of Internal Affairs discovered the operation, which aimed to deceive citizens and illegally obtain their funds.
According to reports, a 25-year-old Akhangaran resident identified as Sh.B. recruited six individuals from the Fergana region, all within the 18 to 25 age range, to assist in the fraudulent activities. The group set up multiple Telegram groups under the fake promotion name and proceeded to dupe unsuspecting users.
The modus operandi of the scammers involved sending false messages to group members, claiming they had won prizes and requesting a fee to collect their winnings. Subsequently, the group would siphon off varying amounts of money from individuals through bank cards registered under different names.
Law enforcement officers conducted a raid and seized essential items such as four computers, eleven mobile phones, Wi-Fi devices, and various bank cards as evidence. It was determined that each member of the group had assigned roles, including generating fake receipts, managing the groups, advertising to attract members, communicating with potential victims, and withdrawing embezzled funds from ATMs.
The detained individuals are facing charges under Article 168 (Fraud) Part 3, Clause “g” of the Criminal Code, and the investigative process is ongoing. Previous reports indicated that the fraudsters had been utilizing false profiles on Telegram, mimicking high-ranking officials from government entities to deceive employees.
The case serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant against online scams and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
