Tax Inspectors Detained in Karakalpakstan for Extortion

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Two senior inspectors of the Tax Department of the Republic of Karakalpakstan have been detained in connection with an extortion case targeting a local entrepreneur.

During an inspection of an LLC engaged in retail food trade in Nukus, the inspectors allegedly identified violations of tax legislation amounting to 213 million soums.

They demanded a bribe of US$2,000 from the company’s director to reduce the claimed amount to 34 million soums.

The illegal actions were intercepted by the State Security Service during an operation, at the moment when the inspectors received US$700 and 15 million soums through an intermediary—a former tax official.

A criminal case has been initiated against all three individuals, and the investigation is ongoing.