State Security Service arrests high-profile officials in corruption crackdown

During an operation conducted by the State Security Service in cooperation with the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the chief engineer of the "Urta Chirchiq Tumangaz" gas supply company was caught red-handed while receiving $8,500 in exchange for connecting a building planned for bread production to the gas network, processing technical documents, installing a meter, laying gas pipes, and other related works.

A specialist from the "Hazorasp Free Economic Zone Directorate" state unitary enterprise entered into a citizen's confidence in the Kushkupir district, promising to secure a job for them in the Khorezm Region's Department of Internal Affairs through his influential contacts in exchange for $6,000. During an operation conducted by the State Security Service's Khorezm regional office and the regional department of the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, this specialist was caught receiving $3,500.

An official from the Bogot district office of the Khorezm regional branch of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry demanded $3,000 from a citizen residing in Urgench city in exchange for restoring their land ownership rights through his high-ranking contacts. He was caught receiving $400 and 1,200,000 UZS by the State Security Service's Khorezm regional office and the Department's officers.

During an operation conducted by the State Security Service's Kashkadarya regional office in cooperation with the regional department of the Department for Combating Economic Crimes, the acting head of the Chirakchi district medical association was caught receiving $1,500 in exchange for hiring two citizens to the association.

In an operation conducted in Samarkand city, a specialist in customs clearance from an LLC engaged in the sale of auto parts demanded $1,300, and was caught receiving $1,100, for processing customs declarations for goods valued at 850 million UZS imported from Turkey in June 2024 through his contacts at customs offices. Additionally, a head of one of the customs posts under the Samarkand regional customs office, involved in this case, was caught receiving $200.

Criminal cases have been initiated against these individuals under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and investigative actions are ongoing.