SSS detains public officials for bribery and extortion in two regions

According to the SSS, a senior inspector from the field tax audit department of the Tashkent Regional Tax Administration abused his position for personal enrichment. The official allegedly demanded $5,000 from the head of a farming enterprise in Angren, which specializes in horticulture and livestock, in exchange for a favorable outcome of a tax inspection and to prevent further audits by tax authorities for one year.

The inspector was caught red-handed in the Akhangaran district during an operation conducted jointly by the SSS Regional Directorate and the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office while receiving the agreed sum.

In a separate case in Navoi region, the director and chief accountant of a children’s and youth sports school were found to have extorted money from a coach. Acting in collusion, they demanded a share of the travel allowances allocated for the coach and eight athletes who participated in athletics competitions held in Tashkent region in March and May this year.

The total amount of travel allowances was UZS 40,722,000, of which the officials sought 40 percent – more than UZS 16 million. The chief accountant later transferred UZS 10 million to the coach’s bank card and was detained by officers of the SSS and the Department for Combating Economic Crimes while receiving UZS 3 million in bribe money.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against all involved officials under Part 2, Article 210 (Receiving a bribe) of the Criminal Code. The SSS confirmed that investigations are ongoing.