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Uzbek
In Tashkent, a broker was exposed for extorting money from entrepreneurs by promising to expedite the customs clearance process for their goods. The fraudster claimed to businesspeople that he acted through his high-ranking contacts in the customs system. In reality, he simply took money from entrepreneurs and waited for the goods to pass through customs in the usual manner.
Customs clearance specialists often act as intermediaries between entrepreneurs and customs authorities, assisting in the completion and submission of customs declarations. However, this does not give them the right to demand money on behalf of customs authorities. This was the basis of the scam by the exposed fraudster.
A customs clearance specialist from one of the brokerage firms in Tashkent used his position to extort money from entrepreneurs. He demanded money for allegedly speeding up the customs clearance and inspection process for goods arriving on behalf of various business entities.
For instance, in one case, despite two shipments worth over $6,500 being directed through the “yellow” corridor and exempted from customs inspection, the fraudster took 1.2 million soms from the cargo owner. In another case, he demanded $300 to expedite the customs inspection of water pumps worth $32,500 that fell into the “red” corridor. In total, he fraudulently extorted $900 and 1.9 million soms from entrepreneurs. These funds were supposedly intended for transfer to the officials conducting the customs inspection and clearance.
Currently, criminal proceedings have been initiated based on these facts, and a preliminary investigation is underway. Customs authorities strongly urge all participants in foreign economic activities to immediately report cases of extortion to the Customs Committee’s hotline at short number 11-08.
This story highlights the need for strict control and transparency in the customs clearance process. It is important that all participants in foreign economic activities are aware of their rights and do not fall for the tricks of fraudsters.
The text has been translated by AI. For more accurate information, please refer to the Russian version of the article.
