Tashkent Police Arrest Hackers Over UZS 3 Billion Theft

Authorities in Tashkent have detained a criminal group responsible for developing malicious software and stealing nearly UZS 3 billion from citizens, according to the Interior Ministry’s Cybersecurity Center.

According to the ministry, the arrests were carried out during the “Safe Cyberspace” preventive operation by officers of the Cybersecurity Center and its Tashkent city branch, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

Investigators established that the suspects created “apk” viruses for Android devices, distributing them to citizens in order to access their SMS messages, calls, and contact information.

The probe revealed that the malicious applications were linked to Telegram groups where 11 foreign nationals were involved in stealing citizens’ personal data. As a result of search operations, five members of the criminal group were detained.

When the suspects’ residences and mobile devices were inspected, it was found that they had stolen nearly UZS 3 billion from more than 130 victims. Each member of the group had been receiving a share of the stolen money.

A criminal case has been opened under relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and the suspects have been placed under procedural detention.

The Interior Ministry added that investigative measures are ongoing across the country to identify other individuals connected to the group.