A self-proclaimed fortune teller has been arrested in Tajikistan for allegedly using “magical rituals” to seduce young male clients under the guise of spiritual practices.
Surayo Najmuddinova, 45, is facing up to seven years in prison after being accused of committing “acts of a s*xual nature” against men who sought her services. Authorities in the former Soviet republic claim she lured clients — mostly in their late teens and early twenties — by offering to read their fortunes and diagnose illnesses through spiritual energy.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Najmuddinova was previously fined twice for practicing fortune-telling but continued her activities. Her alleged misconduct came to light after she was caught on hidden camera performing explicit acts, which officials claim were part of supposed religious ceremonies.
“She abused the trust of citizens, mostly young men, and used religious rituals as a pretense to commit s*xual acts,” the ministry stated. “Her actions were secretive, shameful, and deceptive.”
A criminal case has now been opened against her for committing s*xual acts using the influence of religious or spiritual beliefs. Authorities say Najmuddinova convinced clients that her hands carried “extraordinary energy” capable of revealing their futures and diagnosing medical conditions simply by reading their pulse.
The alleged incidents took place in the Rudaki district near the capital, Dushanbe. She is currently in custody while a full investigation is underway.
