Tashkent Police Inspector Held in US$10,000 Bribe Case

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Officers of Uzbekistan’s State Security Service have detained a senior inspector from the crime prevention department of the Uchtepinsky District Internal Affairs Directorate in Tashkent while he was receiving US$10,000, the agency’s press service reported.

According to investigators, the law enforcement officer demanded the sum from a 31-year-old citizen, promising to initiate a criminal case against a 36-year-old man. The case relates to a dispute involving alleged fraud in the provision of IT services.

Investigative authorities said that in December last year, the 36-year-old individual, according to the complainant, obtained US$450,000 from a foreign partner under the pretext of providing IT services, allegedly using forged company documents.

However, in February this year, internal affairs bodies decided to refuse the initiation of a criminal case regarding the alleged fraud against the company.

Despite this, the inspector is alleged to have demanded a payment in exchange for reopening criminal proceedings. He was detained at the moment of receiving the US$10,000.

A criminal case has been opened, and investigative actions are ongoing.

The State Security Service also reminded the public that reports of corruption and legal violations can be submitted via its hotline 1520, with confidentiality guaranteed.