Namangan official sentenced to five years for bribe demanded as wedding gift

According to court documents reviewed by Kun.uz, the official initially informed the citizen, who had occupied a plot of land without permission, that he would face a penalty of 51 million UZS. When the individual visited the cadastral department on August 21, 2024, seeking leniency and requesting that the fine be dismissed, he demanded a “wedding gift” for one of his employees instead. The citizen offered $100, explaining that he had borrowed the amount for his children’s school supplies. However, the official insisted on an additional $300.

The following day, law enforcement carried out an undercover operation based on the citizen's complaint. The cadastral head was caught taking the $300 bribe in his vehicle in the Oqtosh neighborhood of Turakurgan district. When police attempted to apprehend him, he attempted to flee, discarding the cash out of his car window. The Namangan regional police later verified the bribe through forensic analysis.

In court, the man partially admitted guilt. He was found guilty of extortion-related bribery under Article 210, part 2, clause "v" of the Criminal Code. In addition to his prison sentence, he received a two-year ban from holding public office or positions in state-affiliated organizations, including the Cadastral Agency.