Founder of JOY TOUR arrested on fraud charges

A Baku court has ordered the arrest of Rashad Ilyasov, founder of the JOY TOUR and JOY TRAVEL travel agencies, on charges of fraud and abuse of power, the Prosecutor General’s Office said.

According to the Khatai district prosecutor’s office, Ilyasov defrauded more than 20 clients seeking tour packages and airline tickets, embezzled their money and spent it for personal use.

He faces criminal charges under articles 178.2.2 (repeated fraud), 178.2.4 (fraud causing significant damage) and 308.1 (abuse of official powers) of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code.

The Chamber of Auditors will review the financial activities of JOY TOUR and JOY TRAVEL to determine the extent of losses and identify other individuals involved.