Numerous individuals have approached the Tashkent City Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) requesting legal action against officials of a company to which they had paid for apartments in construction. None of the complainants received the promised housing, as per statements from the department's press service.
It has been reported that 47-year-old Obid Sharipov, leader of Max-House-Group, along with 42-year-old Akhtam Osimov and 35-year-old Azizbek Samandarov, advertised and sold apartments in buildings under construction in the Uchtepa and Chilanzar districts, collecting payments from numerous citizens. The exact number of victims is yet to be confirmed (TBC). According to the investigation, they misappropriated these funds.
Further investigation revealed that the company lacked the necessary construction permits from governmental bodies and did not possess the essential documents to commence building activities.
The Investigation Department under the Tashkent City DIA has initiated a criminal case under Part 4, Article 168 (fraud), of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan. If convicted, the suspects could face penalties ranging from a fine of 400 to 600 base calculating amounts or imprisonment for 8 to 10 years.
During the investigation, Sharipov has been detained. Meanwhile, Samandarov and Osimov, who have evaded law enforcement, are actively being sought.
The Central DIA urges any additional victims to come forward and contact them directly by calling 71-206-42-28, 71-206-49-46, or the hotline number 102.
