Andijan Deputy Hokim Detained for US$50,000 Bribe

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —Uzbekistan’s State Security Service announced the arrest of Isomidin Ismanov, Deputy Hokim of Andijan Region, for receiving a US$50,000 bribe.

According to the agency, the official abused his position, gaining the trust of a citizen planning entrepreneurial activity.

Ismanov allegedly promised, through his acquaintances in government positions, to secure the applicant’s success at an auction for a 20-sot (0.2-hectare) state land plot in Babur city, register the plot in the applicant’s name, and obtain construction permission. In exchange, he demanded $50,000.

Security officers detained the deputy hokim at his home while receiving the funds. Published video shows him counting the bills and commenting: “This is called a debt. You know about that?” During a search of his residence, marked bills labeled “pora” — indicating a bribe — were discovered.

The Andijan Regional Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal case against Ismanov under articles concerning fraud and receiving a bribe in particularly large amounts. He faces up to 15 years in prison.

Isomidin Ismanov was appointed Deputy Hokim in December 2025. Previously, he worked in the Ministry of Internal Affairs system, including as Head of the Operational Analysis Department of the Criminal Investigation Department and Deputy Chief of Public Safety of the Andijan Regional Police Department.