Samarkand judge detained while allegedly taking $300 bribe

A judge of the Pastdargom interdistrict court for civil cases in Samarkand region has been detained during an operational operation while allegedly receiving a $300 bribe, according to sources familiar with the case.

A source within the judicial system confirmed to Kun.uz that the judge of the Pastdargom interdistrict court for civil cases, whose identity is known to the editorial office, was apprehended while taking money in exchange for canceling an alimony obligation.

According to the source, the judge was caught while receiving $300. He is currently being held in accordance with procedural regulations.

The State Security Service later released additional details about the case.

According to the agency, a 2022 court ruling issued by the same district court ordered a citizen to pay alimony to a woman for their child born in 2022 until the child reaches adulthood.

However, the defendant later submitted a petition to the Pastdargom district court under the Bureau of Enforcement seeking a review of the ruling based on newly discovered circumstances.

Based on this petition, the judge canceled the 2022 court decision on February 27 and scheduled a new substantive hearing for March 11.

Investigators say the judge demanded $300 from the claimant in exchange for resolving the case in the claimant’s favor.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has opened a criminal case against the judge under Article 210, Part 2, Clause “v” of the Criminal Code – receiving a bribe through extortion.

Investigative actions are currently underway.