Criminal gang extorting money from taxi drivers detained in Tashkent (video)

Members of a criminal group that extorted monthly payments totaling $810 from individuals engaged in taxi services have been detained in Tashkent, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.

According to the statement, based on a complaint filed by a resident of Tashkent Region, law enforcement authorities uncovered a group that threatened taxi drivers operating on routes from Tashkent Region to Yashnobod District in Tashkent city. The group allegedly violated the drivers’ rights and arbitrarily imposed illegal monthly payments in order to obtain money unlawfully.

In particular, Sh.U., born in 1989 in Tashkent city and known by the nickname “Bychok,” who had previously been convicted three times under Article 277 of the Criminal Code (hooliganism), along with his accomplices, assaulted the driver of a Damas vehicle, causing bodily injuries. The suspect, who is known to be involved in various sports disciplines, forcibly seized the keys to the driver’s vehicle, which was his primary source of income.

In addition, the criminal group reportedly regularly obstructed drivers from operating on the route. The complainant was threatened with serious harm to his life and health and was forced to pay $810 in advance as payment for two months in exchange for permission to operate in Yashnobod District. When he was unable to fully pay subsequent amounts, the group arbitrarily banned him from working on the route.

It was reported that a criminal case has been opened against the leader of the group and his accomplices under Article 165, Part 2, Subparagraph “v” of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (extortion).

Individuals who may have suffered from the actions of this criminal group are urged to contact law enforcement agencies or call the short emergency number 102. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

It is worth noting that President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev previously stated in his address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan that the country has sufficient capacity to curb the activities of criminal gangs and will do so.

It is worth noting that earlier, a criminal group involved in threatening citizens and forcibly seizing their property through various means was detained in Denov District of Surkhandarya Region.