Bank Official Arrested in US$40,000 Bribery Case in Andijan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Law enforcement authorities in Uzbekistan’s Andijan region have disrupted a corruption scheme involving a senior banking official.

The deputy head of a regional department of one of the commercial banks was detained by officers of the State Security Service while receiving part of a bribe, according to law enforcement sources.

Investigators said the official allegedly used his position in managing pledged property assets to extract illegal profit during the attempted sale of a four-storey private medical center building in Asaka district.

The property, previously valued at 16.8 billion soums, failed to sell at auction and was transferred to the bank’s balance sheet.

According to the investigation, the official offered a local entrepreneur the opportunity to purchase the property at a reduced price of 12 billion soums, bypassing standard auction procedures. He also allegedly promised to facilitate the transaction by arranging an interest-free loan for seven years. In return, he demanded a total bribe of 90,000 US dollars.

During an оперативное operation, the banker was detained while receiving the first installment of 40,000 US dollars.

A criminal case has been opened, and investigative actions are ongoing. The State Security Service reminded citizens that corruption-related incidents can be reported via hotline 1520, assuring anonymity and protection of personal data.