KHUJAND, July 9, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Nearly 2,000 residents of Sughd province have become victims of fraud, who made US$560,000 from swindling, the Sughd prosecutor Yusuf Rahmonov told reporters in Khujand on July 8.

The Sughd prosecutor’s office has instituted criminal proceedings against Khujand resident Bakhtiyor Muhammadiyev on the provisions of Article 247, Part 4 (large-scale fraud) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code.

“Introducing himself as representative of international company, TVI Express, Muhammadiyev was receiving money from local residents promising them tourist trips abroad,” said the prosecutor, “Muhammadiyev later set up the limited liability company, Tezrav, and embezzled 560,000 U.S. dollars received from nearly 2,000 people.”

Besides, acting in collusion with U. Qalandarov and S. Shamsiyev, Muhammadiyev received 244,552 somoni from 400 residents of Panjakent district.

Investigation is under way, the prosecutor said.