Citizens in Samarkand suffer nearly 50 billion soums in losses due to cybercrimes
94% of registered crimes involved theft of money from bank cards
In January–September 2026, 6,718 cybercrimes were registered in the Samarkand region, stated Komiljon Gafforov, deputy head of the regional Internal Affairs Directorate. According to Gafforov, 94% of the registered crimes were related to the theft of money from citizens' bank cards. These cases involved cyber fraud and cyber theft.
Criminals gained access to cards or devices through phishing links and malicious software. They also swindled money through deception on social media and online trading, offers to invest in fake trading and online exchanges. Some incidents involved taking out microloans and loans, as well as obtaining SMS codes through fraudulent calls.
At a session of the regional Kengash of People's Deputies, Gafforov reported that the total damage from bank card crimes amounted to 49 billion 887 million soums. Citizens were compensated for 36% of this amount. Law enforcement agencies are taking measures to recover the remaining funds.
