Head of District Environmental Department Detained in Surkhandarya Region on Bribery Charges

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Surkhandarya Region, the head of a district unit of the Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change has been detained on suspicion of accepting a bribe, law enforcement authorities reported.

The authorities noted that, against the backdrop of ongoing systemic anti-corruption reforms in the country and the introduction of compliance units across all government agencies, cases of abuse of official position continue to be uncovered.

Officials emphasize that minimizing corruption risks is a key condition for the sustainable development of the state and the well-being of the population.

According to the investigation, the official demanded US$500 to amend an official report documenting illegal tree felling on the premises of a local limited liability company. The case involved the unauthorized cutting of 14 guzhum trees, six archia trees, one mulberry tree, and one plane tree without the required permits. In exchange for the bribe, the official intended to artificially reduce the recorded environmental damage.

During an operational procedure conducted jointly by the State Security Service, the Department under the General Prosecutor’s Office, and law enforcement agencies, the suspect was caught in the act while receiving the illicit payment.

The seized funds have been included in the case materials as evidence.

A criminal case has been initiated against the detainee under paragraph “v” of part 2 of Article 210 of the Criminal Code. The court has placed him in pre-trial detention, and investigative actions are ongoing.