Official in Samarkand Region Detained for Attempting to Take Large Bribe

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Samarkand Region, a senior specialist from the Agro-Industrial Complex Control Inspection has been detained on suspicion of attempting to receive a large bribe, the State Security Service (SSS) reported.

According to the agency, the official demanded US$3,000 in exchange for not taking action against a citizen renting 5,000 square meters of land in one of the Samarkand district farms. An inspection revealed that the renter’s actions had damaged the soil’s fertility.

Earlier, the suspect received US$500, while law enforcement officers detained him during the handover of the remaining US$2,500.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 168, Part 3, Clause “v” (fraud), and Article 211, Part 1 (bribery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The suspect is in custody, and an investigation is underway.