Ecology department head detained in Surkhandarya over alleged bribery

A district-level official from Surkhandarya region’s Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change has been detained on suspicion of extortion after allegedly demanding a $500 bribe in exchange for altering an official report on illegal tree cutting.

Photo: Frame from the video

According to law enforcement authorities, the head of a district ecology department is accused of offering to amend a formally issued inspection report by understating the assessed environmental damage linked to unauthorized tree felling.

The detention took place during a joint rapid-response operation conducted by officers of the State Security Service, the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office, and internal affairs bodies. The official was apprehended while receiving the demanded sum, with physical evidence seized at the scene.

Investigators said the case concerns an incident on the premises of a local limited liability company, where trees were reportedly cut down without the required permits. The affected trees included 14 elm trees, six junipers, one mulberry tree, and one plane tree.

A criminal case has been opened against the suspect under Article 210, Part 2, Clause “v” of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which covers aggravated bribery offences. A custodial preventive measure has been applied, and investigative actions are currently under way.

Authorities have not disclosed further details pending the outcome of the investigation.