Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A customs officer has been detained in Namangan region following a joint operation conducted by the State Security Service, the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Customs Committee.

According to the investigation, the 32-year-old inspector of the control and clearance group at the Uchkurgan customs post demanded US$100 for each of 57 iPhone 16 PRO MAX devices imported from abroad. In return, he promised to facilitate IMEI registration through an acquaintance working at the customs office of Tashkent International Airport.

Further inquiry revealed that the inspector also demanded an additional US$400 from another individual in exchange for ignoring the illegal import of a batch of clothing without the required documentation.

On 11 and 14 July, the inspector received part of the agreed sum — US$900 (equivalent to 11,317,000 soums) — which was transferred to bank cards registered in his name and that of a relative.

On 16 July, after an additional US$1,000 (12,550,000 soums) was transferred to the relative’s card, the inspector was detained with material evidence in hand.

A criminal case has been initiated under subparagraph “b” of part 3 of Article 168 (fraud involving abuse of official position) and part 1 of Article 211 (bribery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The suspect is currently in custody, and investigative procedures are ongoing.