Car dealership director sentenced for defrauding over 150 customers in Tashkent

The director of “Pr premier-avto” LLC, along with two other representatives of the company, has been sentenced for defrauding over 150 individuals and embezzling more than UZS 2.5 billion through false promises of cheap cars. The verdict was delivered on 1 August by the Chilanzar District Criminal Court. Kun.uz was present at the hearing.

The company was officially registered in 2022 as a wholesaler of cars and light motor vehicles. However, it also engaged in the sale of heavy trucks, according to case documents.

The dealership promised to deliver vehicles within 1.5 to 3 months and claimed to have a contract with UzAutoSanoat, which helped convince customers. Due to the attractive prices and flexible payment terms, many clients made upfront payments for two or even three vehicles. During the trial, several victims shared how they were deceived.

Victim testimonies: false promises and delayed deliveries

One victim, Samariddin Abdusalimov, said he found the dealership on OLX and went to their office in Chilonzor. He was promised a Cobalt car under an annual 8% installment plan. He paid UZS 62.5 million as a down payment and signed a three-year contract. Payments were made through Kapitalbank. He was told the car would arrive within two months, but after repeated delays blamed on missing spare parts, the dealership suddenly shut down.

Avaz Toshtemirov from Bukhara also made a payment of UZS 46.85 million for a Cobalt, with a promised delivery within 90 working days. He was in contact with the company up to day 89 – then all communication was cut off.

Another victim, Nurbek Ibodullayev, said he monitored the company for six months before signing a contract. He paid UZS 50 million in February 2023 and was told his car would arrive within 45 working days. A year later, he was still waiting.

Guilty pleas and sentencing

The defendants pleaded guilty during the trial. Judge Sarvar Mamadiyev announced the verdict after hearing all parties. Under Article 168, Part 4, Clauses “a” and “v” of the Criminal Code, the following sentences were handed down:

• Diyora Odilova – 6 years
• Muzaffar Akhmadjonov – 8 years
• Shahlo Matrasulova (founder and director) – 5 years

All three will serve their terms in general-regime penal colonies. The court also ordered them to jointly reimburse the victims in full.

While over 150 people were defrauded, the judge stated that 130 victims were heard in court. The confirmed damages exceed UZS 2.5 billion, and the total amount may surpass UZS 5 billion when related cases are included. Preliminary investigations are ongoing for the remaining cases.

A pattern of deception and failure to act

Another victim told Kun.uz that he had suspicions after reading the contract and tried to cancel the deal the day after making a UZS 56 million payment for a Gentra. The company claimed the funds had already been transferred to UzAutoSanoat. Muzaffar, introducing himself as the director, promised the money would be returned in 20 days. Later, he revised it to 10 days but never followed through.

Diyora Odilova later promised the money would be returned before Eid, but when the holiday came, the dealership had vanished. All their equipment and vehicles had been removed overnight. The victim immediately called 102 (emergency number), and nearly 10 more people who had also come to check on their cars filed reports.

Despite these complaints, no criminal case was opened at first. The victims later submitted a joint letter to the Minister of Internal Affairs, after which an investigation was finally launched. By then, all the vehicles had been removed. Local police officers and community leaders reportedly failed to take timely action, even though the vehicles were visible and the office housed a fully equipped call center with 15–20 employees.

After the sentencing, a victim who requested anonymity said that not only the three convicted individuals but also other staff who lured customers and facilitated bank payments should be held accountable.