Samarkand Police Bust Counterfeit Dollar Ring: Fraudsters Arrested
Authorities in the Narpay district of the Samarkand region have cracked down on individuals involved in distributing counterfeit US dollars. The suspects were caught transferring funds to other citizens’ plastic cards through a payment point operated by local entrepreneurs, in exchange for handing over counterfeit currency. This was revealed by the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office following a pre-investigation inspection conducted by the district branch to protect the rights of business entities.
According to reports, citizens O.E. and J.S. collaborated to transfer a total of 5.6 million UZS through a payment point operated by entrepreneurs O.J. and D.R. under LLC Mirbozor Bozori, which offers Paynet services. The funds were transferred to a different individual’s plastic card, and in return, the suspects gave out five counterfeit $100 bills amounting to $500.
A criminal case has been initiated under Article 176 of the Criminal Code, relating to the Manufacture or Distribution of Counterfeit Money, Excise Stamps, or Securities, and investigative actions are currently underway.
This incident is not isolated, as there have been similar cases in recent months. In November 2024, individuals were apprehended in Tashkent attempting to distribute $9,000 in counterfeit currency. In December, suspects planning to circulate counterfeit money worth 1 billion UZS were also detained in the Jizzakh region.
Authorities are taking strict measures to combat the distribution of counterfeit currency and are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to fraudulent financial transactions.
