Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The deputy governor of Kosonsoy District in Uzbekistan’s Namangan Region has been detained on suspicion of receiving a bribe of 65 million soums, the press service of the State Security Service (SSS) said.
According to the agency, the official demanded that an entrepreneur install a 20 kW solar panel system at his home.
He allegedly threatened to transfer to another businessperson a plot of land leased by the entrepreneur if the demand was not met.
The suspect was detained during an operation while receiving the money in his official vehicle. According to the SSS, the funds were intended to purchase and install the solar panels.
A criminal case has been opened against the official under Article 210 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which covers bribery.
The operation was conducted jointly by the SSS and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General’s Office.
The circumstances of the case are being investigated.
