SSS releases footage of Andijan deputy governor accepting cash for state land deal

The footage captures Ismanov counting $50,000 in cash inside his private residence. According to the investigation, the deputy governor demanded the funds in exchange for facilitating the transfer of 20 acres of state-reserved land in the Bobur settlement area. Immediately after receiving the money, Ismanov was heard telling the entrepreneur that the transaction should be referred to as a "loan."

In the transcript of the recorded conversation, the entrepreneur asks for confirmation that the full $50,000 was received, to which the deputy governor replies, “This is called a loan, you know that, right? There is such a thing.” When the businessman reiterated that he was handing over the money specifically for the land deal, Ismanov insisted, “No, that is what it is called.” The entrepreneur concluded by asking the official to ensure the documentation was correctly issued in his name.

The operation was conducted by the State Security Service on April 4. Isomiddin Ismanov was detained in a procedural manner following the discovery of the cash at his home.

The authorities have initiated a criminal case against the deputy governor under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, specifically concerning large-scale fraud and bribery. The case continues as investigators examine the full extent of the official’s activities regarding state land allocations.