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Operatives from the State Security Service (SSS) and the Main Department of Internal Affairs (GUVD) in Tashkent have uncovered the activities of several criminal groups involved in creating fake videos featuring prominent public figures. These videos were used in fraudulent schemes targeting the theft of funds from the plastic cards of Uzbek citizens.
How Did the Criminals Operate?
Cybercriminals created fake videos and audio recordings featuring celebrities or government officials, who allegedly recommended quick ways to earn money or promoted investment schemes. Victims, trusting these “authoritative” individuals, clicked on links and entered their personal and financial information.
Additionally, fake videos and audio recordings featuring well-known figures in the country were sent to their subordinates, instructing them to transfer funds to specified bank accounts, supposedly at the request of these figures.
The stolen funds were transferred to bank cards and later converted into cryptocurrency to conceal their origin. During the operation, numerous bank cards were confiscated from the suspects and are now serving as material evidence.
Legal Classification of the Crimes
The actions of the detained cybercriminals have been classified under the following articles of the Criminal Code:
- Article 168: Fraud using information technologies, punishable by 5 to 8 years of imprisonment.
- Article 243: Legalization of proceeds obtained through criminal activity, punishable by 5 to 10 years of imprisonment.
- Article 278-8: Violations in the regulation of cryptocurrency circulation, punishable by 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.
What’s Next?
The investigation is ongoing. According to sources within the law enforcement agencies, operatives expect to uncover new facts of criminal activity and identify other participants in the schemes. It is believed that the criminal network is larger than initially thought.
How to Protect Yourself?
- Do not trust fake videos or suspicious offers. Never share your banking information or passwords with third parties.
- Verify sources of information. If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is a scam.
- Use secure platforms. Enable two-factor authentication and regularly check your bank accounts.
- Stay vigilant. Any promise of easy money without effort should raise suspicion.
Cybercrime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it’s essential to stay one step ahead of the scammers. Remember: internet safety is your responsibility. Protect yourself and your finances!
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
