Artist who "swindled" Jahongir Otajonov for 2.3 billion soums sentenced to 8 years in prison

Artist who "swindled" Jahongir Otajonov for 2.3 billion soums sentenced to 8 years in prison

Jahongir Otajonov was found to have been defrauded by a long-time acquaintance of his, singer X.H. from Kashkadarya. According to Otajonov, they had known each other since the conservatory and became like brothers, but X.H. abused his trust and committed a series of frauds starting in 2017. The trial took place on November 14, 2025, and X.H. was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

As a result of the singer X.H.'s fraudulent actions, Jahongir Otajonov suffered losses in the amount of $195,000 (2.337 billion soums). He borrowed Otajonov's Lexus car with a debt of $34,000 and did not return the money. He also embezzled $1,000 and $5,000 in fees from weddings in Tashkent and Kashkadarya. Also, when buying a BMW for $83,000, he paid only $15,000, did not give the rest of the money, and transferred the car to another person. When selling a house, he gave $30,000 instead of $35,000, and illegally transferred 1.18 acres of another house to his name and later sold it. In another house episode, he caused Otajonov $32,000 in damage.

Kh.H. partially admitted his guilt in court, saying that he spent the money on his artistic activities, and expressed remorse. According to the court decision, he was sentenced to 8 years in prison, and the damage caused was to be recovered. Also, two apartments in Tashkent registered in Kh.H.'s name were confiscated, and the proceeds from the sale will be directed to compensate the victim.