Law enforcement officers in Tajikistan have detained three young men accused of impersonating police officers and extorting money from drivers on highways outside the capital. One of the reported incidents involves an assault on a young woman.

According to the Interior Ministry’s Akhbor program, the suspects have been identified as residents of Dushanbe’s Shohmansour and Firdavsi districts — Olim Nazarov, Karim Muin Hamzazoda and Shahrom Yatimov.

Investigators say Nazarov rented a Toyota Camry, fitted it with a siren and flashing lights, and together with his accomplices patrolled roads outside the city. At night, the group allegedly stopped cars, posed as police officers, and demanded money from drivers.

In a video released by the Interior Ministry, Karim Muin Hamzazoda says: “We were heading toward Hisor, stopping drivers who violated the rules or appeared intoxicated, and we demanded money.”

Assault on a young woman

In one incident, the suspects reportedly stopped a car driven by a young woman. According to the ministry, they claimed she lacked proper driving documents and demanded 950 somonis from the vehicle owner sitting beside her.

After releasing the man and the car, the suspects allegedly detained the woman and, according to Nazarov’s recorded statement, “committed sexual acts” against her. It remains unclear under what circumstances this video was recorded.

Multiple extortion episodes

Authorities report that in another case the group received 1000 somonis from a driver. Investigators believe the suspects may be linked to additional extortion incidents.

All three men have been taken into custody. A criminal case has been opened on multiple charges, and the investigation is ongoing.