Corruption Schemes Exposed in Ferghana, Tashkent, and Surkhandarya Regions

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Cases of corruption have been uncovered in the Ferghana, Tashkent, and Surkhandarya regions, the State Security Service of Uzbekistan reports.

A 22-sotka plot in the “Small Industrial Zone for Youth” was leased long-term to a company for building materials production. The company’s director, previously convicted and prohibited from selling the property, attempted to sell the plot for US$52,000 and arrange its privatization for US$15,000 through an acquaintance from the “Directorate for Management of Small Industrial Zones,” demanding a total of US$67,000.

During a joint operation involving the State Security Service, the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the director and a senior specialist from the directorate were detained with evidence while receiving US$15,000. Criminal cases have been opened under Articles 25 and 168 of the Criminal Code, and investigations are ongoing.

A legal advisor from the Main Department of Construction and Housing and Communal Services was also detained with evidence for receiving US$15,000 in exchange for a favorable administrative decision on appeal for the company founder via intermediaries. Criminal proceedings have been initiated under Articles 168, 28, and 211 of the Criminal Code, and preventive detention (“arrest”) has been applied.

A state tax inspector demanded 8 million soums to write off a tax debt of 19.4 million UZS owed by the company. During a joint operation, the individual was detained while receiving the sum, and attempts to collect the remaining 6 million soums through a third party were prevented.

A criminal case has been opened against the tax inspector under Articles 168 and 210 of the Criminal Code, and against the accomplice under Articles 28, 168, and 212, with “arrest” as a preventive measure. Investigations continue.