Bank official in Andijan detained while taking $40,000 bribe

A deputy head of a regional bank branch in Andijan has been detained while accepting a $40,000 bribe. He allegedly promised to transfer a building to an entrepreneur at a reduced price by bypassing the legal auction process.

Photo: Still from the video

The apprehension took place during a specialized operation conducted by officers of the State Security Service. Investigators stated that the official abused his position of authority over the sale of property pledged as collateral for loans.

The suspect reportedly took advantage of the status of a four-story building in Asaka district. The property, which belongs to a private medical center, was originally valued at UZS 16.8 billion but had been removed from the auction platform.

According to the investigation, the official lowered the property's value to UZS 12 billion and placed it on the bank’s balance sheet. He then allegedly offered to transfer the building to a local entrepreneur for a payment of $90,000 without an auction, under the condition of providing an interest-free loan.

The bank official was caught in the act while receiving an initial $40,000 of the agreed amount. A criminal case has been opened, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the full extent of the illegal activities.