SSS detains public officials in three regions for bribery 

According to the investigation, the first incident occurred on 7 November in Syrdarya region. A chief inspector from the regional Tax Administration identified a tax debt of UZS 400 million during an inspection of a local LLC. Although the offence carried only administrative liability, the department head and the chief inspector allegedly colluded to reduce the debt to UZS 90 million in exchange for a $1,500 bribe.

The official was detained while receiving the money, with evidence seized at the scene. The chief inspector was also apprehended after handing the falsified debt-reduction report to the company’s director. Criminal proceedings have been launched under Article 210, Part 2 (“v” and “g”) of the Criminal Code, and both officials have been placed in pre-trial detention.

Another case was recorded in Andijan region, where an inspector from the regional Tax Administration conducted checks at an LLC involved in installing solar panels. After discovering inconsistencies in the company’s records and finding that it was not operating at its registered address, the inspector prepared a report and froze the company’s bank account.

He then allegedly demanded a $500 bribe from the company’s accountant in exchange for lifting the freeze and avoiding administrative penalties. Officers detained him after he received the equivalent of UZS 6 million transferred to two bank cards belonging to his relatives. A criminal case has been opened under Article 210, Part 2 (“v”) of the Criminal Code, and he has been placed in custody.

A third corruption case was uncovered at the Samarkand city branch of the Bureau of Compulsory Enforcement. A state enforcement officer is accused of promising, through acquaintances in the judicial system, to annul a court order requiring a debtor to pay UZS 117.8 million to a bank. He also allegedly offered to remove restrictions placed on the debtor’s vehicle and falsely claimed he could waive the state duty for the case. In return, he demanded $500.

He was detained while receiving the money via an intermediary, with the operation carried out by the State Security Service and the Bureau’s internal security division. A criminal case has been initiated under Articles 25 and 168, Part 3 (“v”), and Article 28 and 211, Part 1, of the Criminal Code. Investigators are currently conducting further procedural actions.