Four members of an organized criminal group suspected of extortion have been arrested in the Yunusabad district of Tashkent. The suspects include two school students aged 15 and 16.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, one of the suspects filmed a citizen, accusing them of distributing illegal drugs. He then demanded $500 in exchange for not leaking the footage.
Members of the group threatened to use physical violence and kill the victim if the money was not paid.
During a sting operation, the suspects were caught red-handed in a Yunusabad parking lot while receiving a portion of the extorted funds—$300 and 2.4 million soums.
A search of the suspects led to the seizure of the cash, six mobile phones, a knife, and another sharp-bladed object, all of which were confiscated as material evidence.
According to investigators, the group was led by a 20-year-old individual, who drew his associate and the two minors into the criminal enterprise.
The group's leader has been charged under the Criminal Code with extortion, contributing to the delinquency of minors, and making death threats. The remaining suspects have been charged with extortion.
A criminal case has been launched, and the investigation is ongoing.
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