According to the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General's Office, the suspects were detained during a joint operation carried out by its officers and other law enforcement agencies in the Shaykhantakhur district of the capital.

Investigators say the group sold one buyer counterfeit $10,000 and UZS 20 million in fake banknotes for UZS 14 million. Another buyer allegedly purchased an additional $10,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency for UZS 8.4 million.

The suspects were caught in the act, and the counterfeit cash was seized as evidence.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 176 of Uzbekistan's Criminal Code, which covers the production, storage, transportation, or distribution of counterfeit money, excise stamps, or securities. The investigation is ongoing.