Former Uzbekneftegaz head Bakhodir Sidikov detained amid corruption investigation

Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s order, a large-scale investigation is underway into Uzbekneftegaz following reports of widespread corruption. Bakhodir Sidikov, the company’s former head, has been detained as a precautionary measure. In addition, the State Assets Management Agency is also under scrutiny.

During a meeting on January 27, President Mirziyoyev announced the dismissal of Akmalkhon Ortikov, head of the State Assets Management Agency, amid allegations of mismanagement and corruption. The president stressed that the ongoing audits in both organizations have uncovered embezzlement and asset sales far below market value. In one example, officials sold a land plot valued at no less than UZS 250 billion at a closed auction for just UZS 120 billion.

Mirziyoyev questioned the oversight of security officials, noting: “If corruption has flourished in these agencies for years, where were those responsible for security?” He tasked the State Security Service (SSS) with investigating the accountability of personnel overseeing Uzbekneftegaz and the State Assets Management Agency.

Specialists from the SSS economic divisions have been assigned to the criminal investigation into the agency’s officials, and compliance and security services are required to meticulously review all sales of state property. The president emphasized the need to uncover all corruption schemes and ensure that those responsible face unavoidable punishment.