The Tashkent City Court is reviewing the criminal case related to the "Credit House" and "In Fin Stroy Invest" LLCs, which faced presidential criticism, under appellate procedures. An Effect.uz reporter participating in the court session reported that the judge had imposed a ban on broadcasting the proceedings in the mass media and social networks.
Previously, this case was reviewed by the Yakkasaray District Court, and a verdict was issued against 9 individuals. Notably, Dmitriy Bazhenov, identified as one of the main culprits in the case, was sentenced to 9 years in prison. Meanwhile, conditional sentences with a 3-year probation period were applied to three female defendants.
It is worth recalling that President Shavkat Mirziyoyev had previously openly mentioned the situation concerning “Credit House” and “In Fin Stroy Invest”. The head of state stated that these companies deceived 2,000 citizens under the guise of selling apartments and misappropriated 490 billion soums of their funds.
“These things are happening in Uzbekistan. ... Construction enterprises «Credit House» and «In Fin Stroy Invest» deceived 2,000 citizens under the pretext of selling apartments and misappropriated 490 billion soums of their money. ... Jahongir Khatamov, when will your organization put an end to the activities of such organized criminal groups? If you don't do it, who will, Khatamov?” — said the President.
Initial information on the case indicated that over 860 citizens were recognized as victims and the damage caused amounted to 182 billion soums. Later, a special headquarters was established for the case, and the investigation was taken over by the Investigative Department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to the outcome of the court of first instance, Dmitriy Bazhenov was sentenced to 9 years, Baxtiyor Amzayev to 9 years, Bahrom Hikmatullayev to 8 years and 1 month, Gʻayrat Mirkamolov to 8 years and 1 month, and Shuhrat Mahamadov to 8 years and 1 month of imprisonment.
Klara Tolipova, Robiya Galyamova, and Shoira Rahimova were given 6.5-year sentences, which were ruled as conditional. Alisher Shamsiddinov was fined. Additionally, the recovery of damages inflicted on the victims was mandated.
Currently, the appellate court is reviewing the verdict of the court of first instance. Regardless of the restrictions imposed, the fact that this case, which had been openly covered by the public until now, is now restricted from coverage by the Tashkent city courts is generating even more public outrage. Particularly, the fate of the money and property belonging to the 2,000 citizens mentioned in the case remains of great interest.
