Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Security services have uncovered fraudulent schemes in two regions of Uzbekistan, where citizens deceived compatriots with false promises of employment abroad, the State Security Service (SSS) reported.

In the first case, a 34-year-old resident of Altynkul district, Andijan region, set up a company allegedly assisting citizens with preparing documents and visas for overseas jobs. Using social media to gain trust, he convinced four residents of Khazarasp district, Khorezm region, to pay him USD 10,000 for work visas to Latvia. During an operation in Urgench, SSS and law enforcement officers caught him red-handed while receiving the money.

A similar case was recorded in Tashkent region, where a 28-year-old resident of Angren demanded USD 8,250 from three residents of Andijan region, claiming he could arrange Latvian work visas through embassy contacts. He was arrested while accepting an advance payment of USD 2,100.

Criminal cases have been initiated in both incidents, and investigations are underway.