Uzbekistan uncovers illegal fees in South Korea job schemes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Investigations are continuing in Uzbekistan into cases of illegal collection of money from citizens seeking employment in South Korea, the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the General Prosecutor’s Office said.

According to the agency, illegal payments have been identified involving more than 60 citizens. The investigations are being conducted jointly with the compliance service of the Migration Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers.

In Kasansky district of Kashkadarya region, the head of a company identified as “I.A.”, S.B., allegedly promised 48 citizens assistance in securing employment in South Korea through “high-level connections.” The total amount received reached US$384,000, of which US$28,800 was allegedly embezzled, according to investigators.

In Karshi, one individual received 21.5 million soums and US$600 from two applicants. In Kitab district of Kashkadarya region, two individuals received US$6,600 out of an expected US$12,000 for job placement services.

In Sherabad district of Surkhandarya region, one person received US$24,000 from two individuals. In Navoi region, a case was recorded involving US$22,200 received from three citizens. In Jondor district of Bukhara region, US$19,000 was collected in a similar scheme.

In Ferghana district, two individuals received US$22,000 out of an agreed US$33,000, while another person in Ferghana received US$6,000. In Namangan region, cases were recorded in Chartak district involving US$19,000 and in Uchkurgan district involving US$9,000.

Criminal cases have been opened under Articles 168 (fraud) and 211 via Article 25 (attempted bribery) of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan in all documented cases.

Earlier reports said that a large-scale illegal labor migration scheme involving South Korea had been uncovered, in which investigators believe tens of millions of dollars may have been collected.