Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A deputy hokim of one of the districts in Jizzakh region has been detained on suspicion of receiving a large bribe, the State Security Service press office reported.

According to investigators, the incident took place in June in Farish district. The official allegedly demanded 30,000 dollars from an agricultural enterprise in exchange for assistance in retaining the right to use 204 hectares of irrigated land previously won at auction. In case of refusal, he threatened to confiscate the plot and transfer it to the district reserve.

Under the agreement, 20,000 dollars were to be handed over immediately, with the remaining 10,000 to be paid after the harvest. The deputy hokim was caught red-handed while receiving the first part of the payment.

A criminal case has been opened against him under paragraph “a” of part 4 of Article 168 (fraud on an especially large scale) and paragraph “a” of part 3 of Article 211 (receiving a bribe on an especially large scale) of the Criminal Code. The suspect has been placed in custody and faces up to 10 years in prison. Investigative actions are ongoing.