Corruption offenses rise in education sector as Uzbekistan tackles nearly 4,000 cases

Uzbekistan's Anti-Corruption Agency has reported that 3,837 individuals have been held criminally liable for corruption-related offenses in the first half of this year. This analysis was part of the agency’s review of corruption crimes during the first six months of 2024.

Photo: RBK

While some sectors have seen a decrease in corruption compared to the first half of 2023, others have experienced an increase. Specifically, corruption offenses in the system of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education have notably risen.

The report highlights decreases in corruption-related crimes in several sectors, including:

• Commercial banks: 146 cases (compared to 186 last year)
• Ministry of Health: 145 cases (compared to 177)
• Law enforcement agencies: 122 cases (compared to 128)
• Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation: 52 cases (compared to 64)
• Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction: 30 cases (compared to 40)
• Ministry of Agriculture: 30 cases (compared to 33)

However, there has been an increase in corruption crimes in the following areas:

• Ministry of Preschool and School Education: 285 cases (compared to 237)
• State-owned enterprises: 103 cases (compared to 153)
• Local government administrations: 133 cases (compared to 119)

The agency continues to monitor corruption trends across various sectors to further reduce such offenses and promote transparency in government institutions.