Corruption case exposed in Uzbekistan construction sector

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Uzbekistan have uncovered a corruption case in the construction sector involving two senior officials in the Namangan region, who are suspected of demanding bribes in exchange for facilitating building permits.

According to law enforcement agencies, two chief specialists of the regional Construction and Housing and Communal Services Department allegedly conspired to demand US$22,000 from a local entrepreneur. The payment was intended to secure assistance in obtaining a construction permit, architectural planning assignment, and approval of project documentation for a two-storey non-residential building in the Yanginamanagan district.

Investigators said the officials received an initial payment of US$7,000 in March as part of the agreed sum.

During a joint operation conducted by the State Security Service together with the Department under the General Prosecutor’s Office, one suspect was detained while receiving the remaining $15,000. The second official was also subsequently detained.

A criminal case has been opened against the suspects, and investigative actions are currently ongoing, authorities said.