The Tashkent city DIA commented on to the case early on Monday, in which the information about the death of a person arrested on suspicion of being involved in a criminal group that committed serious crimes was confirmed.

According to the statement, the arrested U.D. said that he was feeling sick, suddenly fell down and lost consciousness during the preparation of the report according to Article 224 of the Criminal Procedural Code (Detention facilities).

An ambulance was called, DIA personnel provided first aid, but U.D. died before the arrival of ambulance, the official report reads.

According to the primary diagnosis, the cause of the suspect’s death was severe stage of liver cirrhosis, acute heart failure, DIA noted.

The prosecutor’s office of the city of Tashkent has launched an investigation into the suspect’s death. A medical examiner has been appointed to determine the cause of death.

What are the deceased and others suspected of?

DIA reported that rapid search activities are being carried out in order to uncover the criminal activities of an organized criminal group that has committed serious crimes in the territory of Tashkent city. Actions are being conducted within the framework of the criminal case under Article 137-2, Paragraph “v” (Kidnapping by a group of persons with prior collusion), Article 165-3, Paragraph “a” (Extortion of a large amount) and Article 277-2, Paragraph “b” (Hooliganism by a group of persons) of the Criminal Code.

According to the report, on July 29, around 22:00, this group of 7-8 people beat citizen M.R., forcibly took him to an unknown address, and detained him. They demanded money using force against him. He was also forced to write a statement stating that he borrowed $860,000 from unknown persons residing in Turkey.

During the investigation, it was revealed that in June, members of the same group detained the businessman M.R. for two days at an unknown address in Turkey. It is said that they exerted pressure on this person and managed to transfer two houses worth $300,000 in Kibray district belonging to his parents under the names of the group members.

Allegedly, M.R. was afraid of the aggression and harassment of the criminal group, did not report the incident to law enforcement agencies or medical institutions. On July 31, due to the deterioration of his health, he was admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of closed brain injury, concussion, fracture of the right cheekbone, and many lacerations on his body.

During the operative-search activities carried out by the DIA in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, two persons suspected of being involved in a criminal group – the late U.D. (born in 1990, previously convicted under Article 164 (Burglary) and Article 166 (Robbery) of the Criminal Code) and F.Kh. (born in 1991, previously convicted under Article 168 (Fraud) and Article 176 (Making and passing counterfeit money or securities)) was arrested.

Currently, measures are being taken to identify and catch the remaining members of the criminal group, the report said.