Namangan investigator arrested for demanding $40,000 bribe to close criminal case

The investigator, who was working for the Investigation Department of the Regional Internal Affairs Bureau, was handling a criminal case involving a 20-year-old resident of the Chust district. According to officials, the investigator demanded $40,000 to drop the charges against the suspect, using an independent lawyer as an intermediary to negotiate and collect the money.

The lawyer was caught red-handed by security forces while receiving the requested cash from the suspect's father. Shortly after, the operational team detained the investigator at the exact moment he was receiving $30,000 of the total sum from the lawyer.

A video of the operation has also been made public. Following the arrests, criminal proceedings have been initiated against both individuals. The investigator faces charges under Article 210 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan (Taking a bribe), while the lawyer is being prosecuted under Article 212 (Mediation in bribery). Both individuals have been remanded in custody as a preventive measure while the investigation continues.