Suspect Detained in Ferghana Region Corruption Case

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — A citizen identified as S.A. has been detained in Ferghana region on suspicion of attempting to obtain US$210,000 by promising to help secure an appointment as governor of Uchkuprik district. The Department for Combating Economic Crimes under the Prosecutor General’s Office reported this.

According to operational materials, S.A. gained the trust of a citizen identified as I.D. by introducing himself as an assistant to a judge at an arbitration court. He claimed that, through high-ranking acquaintances, he could arrange I.D.’s appointment as governor of Uchkuprik district in exchange for US$210,000.

The suspect was detained while receiving US$100,000 in cash. Employees of the Department for Combating Economic Crimes and other law enforcement agencies took part in the operation.

A criminal case has been opened against S.A. under Article 168 through Article 25 of the Criminal Code, which covers attempted fraud, and Article 211 through Article 28, concerning complicity in giving a bribe. Investigative proceedings are currently underway.

Against the backdrop of the case, the Anti-Corruption Agency presented a draft regulation in August on a register of persons found guilty of corruption offences. The proposed register is expected to contain information on all persons convicted of corruption offences in Uzbekistan.

Under the draft, the Ministry of Internal Affairs would be responsible for entering and removing information from the register, as well as providing information upon request on whether a particular person is included in the register.

The data is planned to be retained until a conviction is expunged or removed.