Deputy governor of Andijan region detained in $50,000 bribe case

A law enforcement source told Kun.uz that Isomidin Ismanov was detained at his home. He was apprehended while receiving the money.

Investigators say Ismanov sought the payment in return for facilitating the transfer of 20 acres of state-owned land in the Babur area to a private individual. The arrangement allegedly involved auctioning the land through the regional construction and housing authority, registering it in the buyer’s name and securing development permits.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by the would-be buyer. The State Security Service and other law enforcement agencies carried out a sting operation on April 4, detaining Ismanov at the scene.

A criminal case was opened on April 5 under multiple articles of the criminal code related to attempted bribery and abuse of office. He has been taken into custody pending investigation.

Ismanov has served as deputy governor responsible for tourism, culture, cultural heritage, and media since late 2025, and previously held senior posts in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The case comes amid broader scrutiny of regional officials. In 2024, another deputy governor of Andijan region, Botirjon Khamroev, was sentenced to seven years in prison on corruption-related charges, though he was later released after compensating for damages under a revised court ruling earlier this year.