Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An officer of the Patrol Service of the Public Order Protection Department under the Tashkent City Main Department of Internal Affairs has been detained for extorting a bribe under the pretext of helping a citizen obtain a driver’s license.

Abusing his official position, the inspector gained the trust of a resident and offered assistance to the man’s acquaintance — a native of Navoi region born in 1995 — in passing the state driving exam.

During an operation conducted in Tashkent’s Yunusabad district by the State Security Service in cooperation with the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office, the officer was caught red-handed receiving a bribe amounting to US$1,500 and 1.9 million soums. The funds were confiscated as material evidence.

A criminal case has been initiated under Articles 168 (Fraud) and 211 (Bribery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. A court has ordered pre-trial detention as a preventive measure.

Investigation is ongoing.