Uzbek inspector detained over alleged bribery case

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A quarantine and plant protection inspector of the Agency’s regional office in Tashkent region has been detained in Tashkent on suspicion of abuse of office and attempted illicit enrichment, law enforcement authorities reported.

According to the investigation, the official allegedly demanded 20 million soums in exchange for facilitating the unhindered transportation of a shipment of mineral fertilizers through the “Navoiy” customs post. The cargo belonged to a resident of the capital born in 1995 and consisted of 187 packages of products across seven categories.

The illegal activity was identified during an оперативное operation conducted by the State Security Service in cooperation with the Internal Security Department of the Customs Committee.

The inspector was detained in the act of receiving the money in the Almazar district of Tashkent.

A criminal case has been initiated, and the suspect has been placed in custody as a preventive measure. Investigative actions are ongoing.