Jizzakh tax inspector detained over alleged 9m soum extortion

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A chief state inspector at the Jizzakh city tax inspectorate was detained after allegedly demanding 9 million soums from an entrepreneur in exchange for helping write off tax debt, Uzbekistan’s Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office said.

According to the department, the entrepreneur was told that his tax debt amounted to 17 million soums, although the actual debt was 1.4 million soums.

Investigators allege that the inspector said he could arrange for the debt to be written off through contacts in senior positions in exchange for 9 million soums. He also warned the entrepreneur that if the money was not handed over, information about the debt would be sent to the relevant authorities.

The inspector had received 2 million soums of the agreed 9 million soums. The remaining 7 million soums were to be handed over near the building of the Jizzakh city tax inspectorate.

Department officers in the Jizzakh region detained the inspector there with material evidence, according to the department.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 168 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which provides for liability for fraud. Investigative proceedings are continuing.