Major audit launched at Uzbekneftegaz and State Assets Management Agency over corruption claims

According to a source cited by Kun.uz, Bakhodir Sidikov, former chairman of Uzbekneftegaz, has been placed in custody as a preventive measure. He is suspected of embezzling state funds and other corruption-related offenses. Akmalkhon Ortikov, who led the State Assets Management Agency, has also reportedly been detained.

Speaking at a government meeting on 27 January, President Mirziyoyev confirmed that a “major audit” is currently being conducted at both Uzbekneftegaz and the State Assets Management Agency. He said investigators had uncovered cases involving the misappropriation of billions of soums at both institutions.

As an example, the president cited a case in which officials from the State Assets Management Agency allegedly sold a land plot with an estimated market value of at least UZS 250 billion through a closed auction for just UZS 120 billion. Following the discovery, Ortikov was dismissed from his post.

“If corruption has flourished in these agencies for years, where were those responsible for security?” Mirziyoyev asked, raising questions about oversight failures.

The president instructed the head of the State Security Service (SSS) to review the responsibility of SSS officers assigned to oversee Uzbekneftegaz and the State Assets Management Agency. He ordered a thorough examination of all state property sales, the exposure of corruption schemes, and the enforcement of the principle that punishment is inevitable.

Sidikov had led Uzbekneftegaz since March 2023 and was dismissed in mid-December 2025. At the same time, Alisher Sultanov, the president’s representative for energy security, was also removed from office. Following these changes, Abdugani Sanginov was transferred from Uzbekhydroenergo to head Uzbekneftegaz, after which officials began openly acknowledging deep-rooted problems within the company.

Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Kuchkarov had earlier criticized the oil and gas sector for failing to deliver results despite significant state support and opportunities. About a month later, Kuchkarov and Sanginov presented a plan to the president, pledging to halt the prolonged decline in gas production.

Ortikov, appointed head of the State Assets Management Agency in December 2020, was widely regarded as one of the most closed-off officials in government. Neither he nor his agency’s press service responded publicly to questions regarding a number of controversial privatization deals. Reports circulating on social media claim that the investigation into his case is being conducted by the State Security Service.

Details surrounding the alleged sale of the land plot, such as when and where it occurred, have not been disclosed. Whether full details of what could be one of the country’s largest corruption cases will be made public, and whether court proceedings against senior officials will be conducted transparently, remains to be seen.