A criminal case has been opened against a journalist who committed fraud in Azerbaijan.
Medianews.az reports that Hamid Bakirov, 76 years old (name and surname are conditional), who works as a reporter in one of the newspapers, has been accused of fraud.
According to the indictment, Hamid Bakirov presented himself as a person connected to high-ranking officials and promised the victim that he would resolve his matter. For this, he took 2000 manat from him.
However, he did not fulfill the promise. Although he returned 500 manat of the money he received, he could not pay the remaining amount.
Based on the victim's complaint, Hamid Bakirov was detained, and a criminal case was opened against him under Article 178.1 (fraud) of the Criminal Code.
According to the victim, Shokhrat Abbasov (name and surname are conditional), they met the accused while traveling to Ismayilli with his father. During the trip, the people in the car kindly addressed Hamid, who was well dressed, as "uncle." On the way, his father talked to Hamid about his problem.
Hamid also met with him near the "Inshaatchilar" metro station in Baku.
Shokhrat stated that although Hamid asked for 3,000 manat to fix his matter, he gave 2,000 manat.
However, later, suspecting fraud, he asked for his money back.
According to the accused, his 20-year-old grandson cannot walk and has previously been taken abroad for treatment. Shokhrat’s father told him about his son's problem, and Hamid, informing about his grandson's illness, asked the victim’s father for help. Hamid Bakirov stated that he took the 2000 manat under the pretext of helping his grandson. He said he reconciled with the victim and regretted his actions.
During the investigation, the accused fully compensated for the damage caused. He applied to the court with a petition requesting the application of an amnesty act in his case.
By the decision of the court, an amnesty act was adopted regarding Hamid Bakirov, and he was released.