Investigative bodies of the Department under the General Prosecutor's Office of Uzbekistan have discovered an alleged criminal scheme related to the illegal trade of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and crypto assets.
Money Laundering Mechanism
According to the investigation, the organizers of this scheme used Telegram bots, bank cards, and payment services to legalize income obtained from criminal activities.
Participants and Operations
The General Prosecutor's Office reported that officials from three companies—HST, VEK, and RBMT—together with other individuals allegedly organized the process of laundering money obtained from illegal trade in narcotics and psychotropic substances.
The investigation showed that narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances worth 20.9 billion soums were sold through 58 Telegram bots managed by the international group TESLA SHOP. The funds received were transferred to 90 bank cards issued by Uzbek banks and registered under the names of 14 foreign citizens.
Financial Flows and Tax Violations
Of the total amount of 8 billion soums, funds were transferred to the companies HST and VEK, which operate in the Paynet sector, and another 4.7 billion soums went to the crypto store CP. Subsequently, the funds were transferred to the settlement accounts of these companies, through which Paynet services were provided to the public totaling 621.2 billion soums. The General Prosecutor's Office claims that as a result of these operations, the participants evaded taxes amounting to 90.3 billion soums.
Cryptocurrency Aspect of the Case
Furthermore, the investigation revealed the trading of crypto assets worth 50.5 million US dollars obtained from criminal sources. Of this amount, crypto assets valued at 2.4 million US dollars were transferred to the foreign currency accounts of 14 foreign citizens, which investigators qualified as money laundering of criminal proceeds.
A criminal case has been initiated on this matter under relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, and investigative actions are ongoing.