Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Officers of the State Security Service (SGB), in cooperation with representatives of the Supreme Court and the General Prosecutor’s Office, have detained an investigative judge from the Yangiaryk District Criminal Court while he was returning a previously received bribe.

According to available information, the judge demanded US$15,000 from a resident of Urgench in exchange for issuing an acquittal verdict in a criminal case initiated under Article 210 of the Criminal Code, which is currently under review at the Tuproqqala District Court. He claimed he could influence the outcome of the case through his official connections.

To confirm his intentions, the judge received part of the bribe — US$2,000 in cash and 24 million UZS transferred to his bank card. However, failing to fulfill his promise, he was caught red-handed while attempting to return the money.

The General Prosecutor’s Office has launched a criminal case under Articles 168 (Fraud) and 211 (Bribery) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Investigative procedures are currently underway.