In Karakalpakstan, a group that stole nearly 3 billion soums from the cards of about 250 citizens has been detained

In Karakalpakstan, a group that stole nearly 3 billion soums from the cards of almost 250 citizens has been exposed

During operational-technical measures conducted in Karakalpakstan, the activities of a group that embezzled nearly 3 billion soums from the bank cards of 250 citizens were halted, reports the Cybercrime Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

It was revealed that the group consisted of three 22-year-old men from Nukus. One of them, a citizen named M. who had a prior conviction for theft, established contact with foreigners through closed channels on Telegram.

During the investigations, it was determined that since August 2025, the group members had been engaged in distributing APK virus programs sent by their foreign partners. After citizens downloaded this malicious file, information about their bank card details and balances was sent to them.

Based on the obtained information, M. and his accomplices, individuals named Ye. and A., linked the citizens' plastic cards to new programs, obtained SMS codes, and transferred the funds to other cards. After that, they sent the money to their foreign partners and received a share of up to 15 percent in the form of USDT (cryptocurrency) for their services.

Additionally, the group members involved youth in computer clubs and other individuals in undergoing verification on mobile payment applications, and registering virtual bank cards and SIM cards in their names, in exchange for material benefits ranging from 50,000 to 300,000 soums.

According to investigation data, the group members plundered a total of nearly 3 billion soums belonging to about 250 citizens.

An Internal Affairs representative noted that when one of them wanted to turn back from this path, threats and pressure were exerted on him by his foreign partners, and his personal data was leaked.

Regarding this situation, a criminal case has been initiated under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and the preliminary investigation actions have been completed. The collected documents have been sent to the criminal court for sentencing.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs department added that during the conducted measures, another 8 groups engaged in similar large-scale frauds were apprehended. Seven of these groups consist of youth residing in Karakalpakstan, and one in another region. Currently, investigation actions against them are ongoing.