Uzbekistan Exposes Alleged South Korea Job Scam

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office has uncovered a corruption scheme linked to sending citizens to work in the Republic of Korea, according to an official statement. Former officials of the Agency for External Labor Migration, representatives of private employment agencies, and other individuals are alleged to have been involved.

The agency said a pre-investigation review found that an organized group illegally obtained a total of US$263,500 from 35 citizens. In addition to official payments, suspects allegedly collected between US$7,000 and US$12,000 per person through fraudulent means for facilitating employment in South Korea.

A criminal case has been opened and investigative actions are ongoing.

Preliminary estimates suggest that the total volume of illegally obtained funds may reach nearly US$90 million. Law enforcement authorities are currently reviewing complaints from more than 600 citizens who were not sent to work in Korea.

Authorities are determining the scale of damages and taking measures to recover the funds.

Investigators also found that the group received US$580,000 for sending 230 citizens to Korea and unlawfully obtained US$5.6 million from 1,000 citizens already residing in South Korea. The total amount linked to these episodes is estimated at US$45 million.

The Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office urged citizens and businesses affected by the group’s activities to contact its hotline. It also stated that confidentiality of applicants will be guaranteed.