Ex-mayor of Namangan city faces court over $60,000 bribe allegations

The case follows a high-profile investigation that gained public attention in September 2025, when reports emerged that Otakhojaev had been apprehended during an undercover operation. He is suspected of accepting a bribe amounting to $60,000.

According to the indictment provided by the preliminary investigation authorities, the six male defendants face various charges under the Criminal Code. These include Article 167 (theft by embezzlement or moving funds), Article 168 (fraud), Article 205 (abuse of power or official authority), and Article 206 (exceeding official authority). Additionally, the group is accused of official forgery under Article 209, taking bribes under Article 210, and acting as intermediaries in bribery under Article 212.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the court has applied different preventive measures for the accused. Three of the defendants have been placed in custody, while the remaining three have been released under a preventive measure requiring appropriate conduct.

Anvar Otakhojaev’s career in local administration saw him serve as the mayor of Chartak district between 2019 and 2023. He was subsequently appointed to the position of mayor of Namangan city in December 2023, a role he held until the legal investigation led to his arrest.

The court hearings will continue as the judiciary examines the evidence regarding the alleged systematic corruption and abuse of office within the city’s administration.