Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In the Khatyrchi district of Navoi Region, authorities have uncovered and stopped the illegal actions of an employee of a commercial bank, according to a statement from the press service of Uzbekistan’s State Security Service (SSS).

The bank specialist had promised to transfer ownership of 18.7 hectares of a 22.6-hectare plot of land to a buyer. This land had been leased to a farming enterprise specializing in horticulture and viticulture, and was managed by the employee’s father under a 2021 decision by the district khokim (governor). In exchange for this promise, the employee demanded 200 million Uzbek soums.

During a joint sting operation carried out by the State Security Service and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the bank employee was caught red-handed while receiving 190 million soums, with physical evidence secured at the scene.

A criminal case has been initiated against the suspect under Part 4, Article 168-1 (a) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Investigative actions are currently underway.