Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Samarkand, the director of a private company providing geological services was detained for attempting to illegally enrich himself by deceiving a local resident.

Posing as a former high-ranking employee of the Ministry of Mining and Geology, he claimed to possess allegedly classified geological maps and photographs indicating gold deposits discovered during previous geological exploration in the Samarkand and Jizzakh regions. He demanded US$25,000 in exchange for these so-called materials.

The fraudster was apprehended by the State Security Service of the Samarkand region while receiving part of the agreed sum — US$10,000. Physical evidence was seized from him. Authorities established that the information referenced by the detainee did not belong to classified data.

In a separate incident in Shakhrisabz, an operator at a gas distribution station under the Main Gas Pipeline Directorate of Muborak JSC “Uztransgaz” extorted US$4,000 from a resident of Karshi.

In return, he promised to secure a job for the man as an inspector in one of the structural units of the “Uztransgaz” system, citing his alleged influential connections in management.

During an operational action organized by the State Security Service of Kashkadarya region together with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the suspect was caught red-handed receiving the full amount.

Criminal cases have been initiated against both individuals. Investigative actions are currently underway.