Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Two employees of the Emergency Situations system in Khorezm region have been caught at the center of a corruption scandal.

According to law enforcement agencies, illegal activities by local officers were uncovered during a special operation carried out by the State Security Service and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes.

In one case, an officer from the Department of Emergency Situations in Tuproqqal’a district exploited the trust of a resident from Khazarasp district. He demanded US$1,500 in exchange for allegedly facilitating employment at the Regional Department of Emergency Situations, claiming to have connections with key officials who could secure the job. He was caught red-handed while receiving part of the amount—US$400 and 1.3 million Uzbek soums.

A similar incident occurred in Shavat district, where another local officer promised to help a citizen illegally obtain a driver's license by leveraging his purported ties to the internal affairs authorities. In return for his “services,” he requested US$1,400 and 1.3 million soums. The transaction was documented by law enforcement agents.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against both individuals under Articles 168 (fraud) and 211 (bribery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Investigative procedures are currently underway.