Tashkent region emergency official arrested for $63,000 bribery attempt

A district emergency services official in Tashkent region has been detained on suspicion of demanding $63,000 from an entrepreneur, according to the State Security Service.

The official, who headed a district department, was reportedly caught red-handed while receiving a $25,000 installment.

The suspect is alleged to have sought the payment in exchange for helping the businessman secure construction contracts valued at UZS 5.04 billion. Investigators state that the official claimed he could leverage contacts at the ministry to arrange contracts for reinforcing the banks of three canals and building concrete road crossings within the district.

According to the official statement, the suspect had already received $24,000 during the months of March and April. He was ultimately detained during a coordinated sting operation while taking a portion of the remaining sum inside a service vehicle.

A criminal case has been opened under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and the suspect has been placed in pre-trial detention as the investigation continues.