Law enforcement bodies arrested 12 people suspected of extortion and fraud at the auto parts market on Farkhad street in Uchtepa district of Tashkent, the press service of the State Security Service reported.
Most of the suspects are natives of Tashkent, Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya provinces, they are aged between 23 to 37, and they have criminal records.
Reportedly, the group members arbitrarily installed various devices on a car and demanded $13,300 from the owner for a service with a market value of $600. When the owner tried to dispute the amount, he was threatened.
Another victim was forced to pay 15 million soums. The suspects installed spare parts on his car, took the keys and exerted psychological pressure.
Two other car owners were forced to pay 70 million soums for non-provided services - the installation of additional spare parts.
Criminal cases under Articles 165 (Extortion) and 168 (Fraud) charges have been opened against the detainees. They have been remanded in custody.
As part of the investigation, the accused are being investigated for involvement in other crimes and measures are being taken to identify possible victims.
