Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Two corruption-related crimes involving extortion and illegal mediation have been uncovered in Karshi.

A chief inspector from the tax administration department of the city’s tax office abused his official position to gain the trust of two pharmacy owners. He demanded 50 million soums in exchange for assisting in the annulment of a 150 million soums tax debt through his connections in the judicial system. However, during an operation conducted by the State Security Service (SGB) and the Department under the General Prosecutor's Office, the tax inspector was caught red-handed while receiving 10.4 million soums as part of the bribe.

In another case, the head of a local LLC promised to help another company specializing in car repair and maintenance secure a 1.5 billion soum bank loan through his influential contacts. In return, he demanded a reward. He was detained while receiving 84 million soums.

Criminal cases have been initiated under Articles 168 ("Fraud") and 28, 211 ("Mediation in Bribery") of the Criminal Code, and investigations are ongoing.