State Security Service, Customs, and Prosecutor’s Office Detain Inspectors for Taking Bribes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The State Security Service, together with the Internal Security Department of the Customs Committee and the Tashkent City Prosecutor’s Office, conducted a series of operations as part of efforts to combat corruption.

In one case, an inspector at the Navoi customs post of the Tashkent Regional Customs Department abused his official position and received USD 5,000 for illegally moving seven kilograms of gold and precious metals across the border without declaration or control. The individual involved was a citizen born in 1979. The inspector was detained with material evidence in the city of Chirchik. A criminal case has been opened against him under Article 210, Part 2 (b) of the Criminal Code, and he has been placed in pre-trial detention.

In another case, a senior inspector of the State Tax Inspectorate in Shaykhantakhur district demanded USD 2,500 in exchange for terminating the operations of a private company engaged in wholesale food trade, using his connections in high-ranking offices. He was detained while receiving the money on the premises of the district tax inspectorate. A criminal case was opened against him under Articles 168, Part 3 (b), and 28, 211, Part 1 of the Criminal Code.

Additionally, an inspector from the Mirobod district micro-neighborhood office demanded UZS 10 million to avoid conducting tax inspections at a local store and for providing advance notice of upcoming inspections. The money was transferred to his bank card, after which the illegal activity was stopped. Legal measures have also been taken against this inspector.

These actions underscore the determination of Uzbekistan’s law enforcement agencies to fight corruption and ensure accountability for abuse of office.