Following criticism, a developer in Navoi has been detained for selling 167 apartments to 425 individuals.

Entrepreneur Mekhroz Rahmatov is accused of committing large-scale fraud. According to investigation materials, he deceitfully obtained funds from 133 individuals, totaling 37.8 billion sums. Previously, Kun.uz had inquired about the reasons for Rahmatov's freedom, despite the severity of the charges against him.

https://kun.uz/ru/news/2025/01/10/posle-kritiki-v-navoi-zaderjan-zastroyshchik-prodavshiy-167-kvartir-425-grajdanam2025-01-11 08:51:56

The construction company LLC "Bright Industry Buildings The Future," led by Mehrjoh Rahmatov, operated in the city of Navoi. On December 19, 2024, the Navoi City Court for Criminal Cases ordered Rahmatov to be taken into custody. He was procedurally detained the day before, on December 18.

According to preliminary investigation data, Rahmatov, who has been at the helm of the company since 2017, sold apartments and commercial spaces in a building under construction to 425 people, which consisted of 153 apartments and 14 shops. Consequently, 258 buyers were left without properties, and he was aware that there wouldn't be enough spaces for everyone. Nonetheless, he entered into fictitious contracts and issued receipts for the payments received.

The investigation revealed that by providing fake receipts for funds credited to the company's account, Rahmatov misappropriated funds from 133 citizens amounting to 37 billion 842 million sums. According to Rahmatov's lawyer, part of the damage amounting to 18 billion sums has been compensated, with the remaining amount covered by apartments, while all of Rahmatov's assets have been seized. The lawyer requested that the accused be subjected to a preventive measure not related to deprivation of liberty.

A criminal case has been initiated against Mehrjoh Rahmatov under part 4, clause "a" of Article 168 (Fraud on a particularly large scale) and part 2, clause "a" of Article 228 (Forgery, production, sale, or use of documents, stamps, seals, and forms). Twelve real estate properties have been seized, including a kindergarten, a concrete plant, a greenhouse, facilities for fish farming, and eight vehicles.

Earlier, it was reported that the regional prosecutor summoned a journalist conducting an investigation based on complaints from victims to his office, requesting that the story not be aired. When the journalist refused, the prosecutor sent a letter to the management of the "Sevimli" TV channel, claiming that the story could hinder the investigation.

Mehrjoh Rahmatov was recognized as a victim in the case of Merey Omanbaeva. In 2023, he was awarded the badge "Faol tadbirkor" (Active Entrepreneur).