Emergency Ministry warns of fake officers extorting money from residents ‘for fire safety’

The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Uzbekistan has issued a warning about individuals impersonating its employees and unlawfully demanding money from citizens under the guise of fire safety inspections.

According to the ministry, there have been incidents where people wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be representatives of the state fire safety service, firefighters, or MES personnel, and forcibly collect various sums of money from residents, allegedly as part of an annual payment scheme.

“These individuals have no affiliation with the ministry. MES employees do not collect any monetary payments or other fees from citizens for fire prevention activities,” the ministry emphasized.

Citizens are strongly advised to demand official identification from anyone claiming to represent the MES or similarly named organizations.

"Clarify their area of work, the services they are offering, and the type of tasks they claim to perform. Keep in mind that any services they propose can only be carried out with your explicit consent," the ministry reminded the public.

If someone demands mandatory payment without performing any actual emergency protection services, citizens are encouraged to report the case to law enforcement authorities or call the MES hotline at 95 772-10-50.

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